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 Shoal<br /><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.<br /> <br />Visit our website for more #NewsYouCanTrust: https://www.cnnphilippines.com/<br /><br />Follow our social media pages:<br /><br />• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CNNPhilippines<br />• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cnnphilippines/<br />• Twitter: https://twitter.com/cnnphilippines<br />