Senator Christopher “Bong” Go reaffirmed the importance of standing firm in protecting the country’s sovereign rights over Sandy Cay and other features in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), emphasizing the need to defend not only national dignity but also the livelihood of Filipino fisherfolk who are most affected by regional instability.
Speaking amid ongoing reports of Chinese activities near Sandy Cay in the Spratly Islands, Go warned against the destabilizing effects of external provocations on local communities that depend heavily on maritime resources.
“Hindi lang ito usapin ng teritoryo. Buhay at kabuhayan ng mga mangingisda natin ang nakataya dito,” Go said. “Kaya dapat tayong manindigan para sa ating karapatan at ipaglaban ang kinabukasan ng susunod na henerasyon ng Pilipino.”
“What is ours is ours! Dapat na ipaglaban natin kung ano ang atin!,” he reiterated his consistent stand ever since.
The situation at Sandy Cay drew attention after Chinese media reported that the China Coast Guard (CCG) had asserted “sovereign jurisdiction” over the sandbank by staging a symbolic landing in mid-April. On April 28, Philippine defense officials, however, disputed claims of any occupation, affirming that Philippine forces maintain active monitoring and patrols around the area.
Go stressed that protecting maritime territories must always be anchored in safeguarding the daily survival of coastal communities.
“Hindi dapat ang mga ordinaryong Pilipino ang magdusa sa tuwing may tensyon sa karagatan,” he said. “Ang mga mangingisda natin, na umaasa sa kalikasan para sa kanilang kabuhayan, ang pinaka-unang naaapektuhan kapag may kaguluhan.”
The senator urged all parties to exercise restraint and pursue peaceful, diplomatic solutions to disputes, while reaffirming that the Philippines must continue asserting its rights by international law.
He pointed out that unchecked instability in the region could severely impact food security, local economies, and national morale.
“Habang pinalalakas natin ang ating paninindigan, dapat rin nating tiyakin na hindi naaapektuhan ang kabuhayan ng mga Pilipino sa kanayunan,” Go said. “Bawat isdang hindi mahuli, bawat araw na hindi sila makalaot dahil sa takot o tensyon, malaking dagok sa pang-araw-araw nilang pamumuhay.”
The senator also called on concerned government agencies to bolster support systems for fisherfolk, ensuring their safety at sea and assisting them with livelihood programs when tensions restrict fishing activities.
“Sa lahat ng into, prayoridad pa din ang kalusugan at kabuhayn ng ating mga kababayan. Sikapin nating walang magugutom na Pilipino,” he added.
Earlier, Go had condemned aggressive actions by China in the WPS, particularly when a Chinese Coast Guard vessel used water cannons against a Filipino supply boat attempting to deliver provisions to the BRP Sierra Madre stationed at Ayungin Shoal, and during a separate incident involving the use of a military-grade laser against a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel.
Continuing his advocacy for strengthened maritime security and disaster response, Go filed Senate Bill No. 2112, or the Philippine Coast Guard Modernization Bill. The proposed measure aims to equip the PCG with more advanced vessels, aircraft, and modern equipment, enhancing its capacity to respond not only to maritime threats like smuggling and terrorism but also to humanitarian emergencies such as typhoons and sea disasters.
“Ang ating Philippine Coast Guard ang isa sa mga pangunahing tagapangalaga ng ating karagatan at tagapagligtas sa oras ng sakuna,” Go said. “Kailangan nating suportahan sila sa pamamagitan ng mas modernong kagamitan para mas mabilis at mas epektibo silang makapagserbisyo sa taumbayan.”
He highlighted that upgrading the PCG is a crucial step toward ensuring that the Philippines can defend its waters, protect its people, and contribute to regional stability without resorting to conflict.
Senator Go reiterated his appeal for a foreign policy that is anchored in national interest, regional cooperation, and peace, saying, “Protektahan natin ang ating karapatan at ang kabuhayan ng ating mga kababayan sa maayos at mapayapang paraan. Dapat nating tiyakin na habang pinaninindigan natin ang atin, iniingatan din natin ang kapayapaan at kabuhayan ng mga Pilipino.”
