BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS-16) and BRP Domingo Deluana (PG-905) sail during the simulated island seizure exercise as part of the AJEX DAGIT-PA 08-2024 on November 6, 2024 at Kota Island in the West Philippine Sea. Photo courtesy LTC SALGADO/PAOAFP/file 

MANILA – Senatorial aspirant Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV said he agrees with the stance of the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on the West Philippine Sea (WPS) issue.

The former senator said the Philippines still needs assistance in asserting its claims against China.

"Pabor ako sa ginagawa ng administrasyon ngayon pag dating sa West Philippine Sea. Kailangan natin ng back-up. Kung tayo ay tatayo laban sa Taina. But I’ve always said, mahalaga na kahit ano mang relasyon, daoat nakukuha natin yung dapat makuha natin," he said on Harapan 2025.

Aquino believes the Philippines can still "gain more" from its longtime ally, the United States of America, especially on equipment.

"Yung nagsasabi na sumosobra tayo sa Amerika, ibig sabihin hindi natin nakukuha yung kaya pa natin makuha sa Amerika na tulong dito sa ating bansa. Nasaan yung ating mga kagaimtan? Nasaan yung ating I’m also on the board of the Air Force, Karen. Yung tulong na hinahanap natin para maprotektahan yung ating kasarinlan, nasaan yun?" he said.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) recently confirmed the presence of the Chinese Coast Guard's biggest vessel loitering in waters just off Zambales.

Analysts have called the move a "show of force" in the disputed waters.

Last year, when Chinese Navy ships were spotted in Scarborough Shoal and Bajo de Masinloc, the President thumbed down calls to deploy Philippine Navy warships.

The President said the Philippines "will never be a part of an escalation in the situation."

Presence of China monster ship in Zambales 'a show of force': analyst