Join our chief correspondent and anchor Pia Hontiveros on #PoliticsAsUsual — your weekly political appointment fix.br br In the wake of China's provocative actions against the country's vessels in the West Philippine Sea, the Philippines gets military assistance from long-time time ally, the United States, particularly in the conduct of resupply missions to the BRP Sierra Madre in the Ayungin Shoalbr br While a senator questions the coast guard's capabilities to perform its role in maritime law enforcement, the Defense chief admits a capability upgrade is necessary to reduce the country's dependence on foreign states.