MANILA, Philippines - Senators have varying reactions on reported Chinese military activities around the contested Spratly Islands.

Senate foreign relations committee chairperson Loren Legarda believes that diplomacy is the appropriate action to take after Chinese planes were reported to be hovering in the area.

"Diplomacy is one aspect but in the end we must go back to the Constitution," Legarda said. "Foremost is the security of our nation, dapat irespeto ang ating soberenya bilang independent na bansa."

 Senators Panfilo Lacson and Francis Escudero also believe that the way to treat the issue is through diplomacy. Escudero said "diplomacy should be the first option."
 
 Lacson on the other hand, said neither Senate nor Congress should have a hand in this issue.
 
 "Senate or Congress should not take action and let the executive branch take it up with the Chinese government," he said. "Diplomatic action dapat. I don't think Congress can do something, baka ma-aggravate pa ang investigation nila."

 Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago, for her part, said the government should file a diplomatic protest.
 
 Santiago said China is trying to prove to the world that they own the islands.
 
 "Under international law, the continuous exercise of ownership is by continually monitoring their properties," she said.
 
However, she rejected a military option to end the dispute. "We don't have military muscle, we don't even have a radar to prove they stepped on our territory," Santiano said.

 Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile also points at the Philippines' weak military strength, which boosts the confidence of other countries.
 
 Enrile said as long as the Armed Forces is ill-equipped, the country can expect larger nations to continue knock on Philippine territory.
 
 "We are being treated that way because as long as we are not willing to provide suitable defense, we will be oppressed, demeaned, and dishonored," Enrile said. "It's about time to wake up, strengthen our military capability even if we have to spend more money."