Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro refuted China’s assertion that construction activities on the BRP Sierra Madre breached a prior agreement regarding resupply missions to Ayungin Shoal. Lazaro stated that the provisional understanding between the Philippines and China makes no reference to any restrictions on such construction. The BRP Sierra Madre, a grounded Philippine Navy vessel, serves as an outpost for Filipino troops in the disputed South China Sea. China has repeatedly demanded the Philippines remove the ship, but Manila maintains its right to repair and maintain the vessel. This dispute arises amid ongoing tensions regarding Philippine access to the Second Thomas Shoal and broader issues of sovereignty in the region. The Philippines continues to assert its sovereign rights and defend its position concerning the BRP Sierra Madre.