Asked about China passing a law authorizing its coast guard ships to fire on foreign vessels, and demolish structures, Sen. Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan's response:

We reject and do not recognize foreign laws that encroach on our territorial seas and exclusive economic zone. Indonesia and Vietnam refuse to be intimidated. I adamantly refuse to believe that they are braver than we are, and I firmly believe that ours is not a nation of cowards."