Senators condemn China’s actions near Scarborough Shoal, Batanes

Philippine senators have condemned China's aggressive behavior in the South China Sea following an incident where a Chinese Coast Guard vessel nearly collided with a Philippine patrol ship near Scarborough Shoal.

Senator Francis N. Tolentino, chairman of the Senate committee on Philippine Maritime and Admiralty Zone, stated that this action violates international law and threatens regional security.

Tolentino cited the 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague which declared Panatag Shoal (Scarborough Shoal) within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone and the recently enacted Philippine Maritime Zones Act.

Concern was also raised over a Chinese research vessel near Batanes, with Tolentino emphasizing that such actions show Beijing's increasing assertiveness in disputed waters.

Senate President Pro-Tempore Jose P. Estrada Jr. urged the government to bring this matter before the International Maritime Organization (IMO) as China is a signatory to maritime safety conventions.