Two important legislative measures to strengthen Philippine control over its maritime zones were signed into law by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday, furthering the country’s interests in security and economic development.
He enacted the Philippine Maritime Zones Act and the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act at a formal ceremony in Malacañang.
These laws, he stated, are “significant steps that reaffirm our maritime and archipelagic identity.”
The Philippine Maritime Zones Act delineates the nation’s maritime zones in conformity with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), harmonizing local regulations with international maritime norms.
It establishes a framework for the Philippines to exercise its rights and obligations regarding its waters and bottom resources, enhancing the nation’s maritime governance capabilities.
“Our fisherfolk, who rely on our waters for their livelihood, deserve to operate without the threat of uncertainty or harassment,” Marcos said.
“Equally, we must be able to explore and utilize the mineral and energy wealth in our seabed,” he added, emphasizing the economic benefits of a secure and regulated maritime domain.
The second law, the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act, establishes a defined system of sea lanes and air routes through Philippine waters and airspace.
These lanes are intended to facilitate secure passage for foreign vessels and aircraft while safeguarding the country’s environmental integrity and security interests. Marcos emphasized that these routes allow for controlled navigation through the country’s waters without compromising national sovereignty or environmental preservation.
“These laws are a powerful statement to the international community that the Philippines stands firm in its commitment to protect its waters, support sustainable development, and ensure the safety of navigation in its maritime territory,” the President said.
Marcos expressed hope that the new laws would reinforce the country’s efforts to uphold its maritime interests.
Senate President Chiz Escudero, meanwhile, expressed strong support Thursday for the new laws that define the Philippines’ maritime zones and establish archipelagic sea lanes, emphasizing their role in bolstering the country’s territorial claims in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
The Philippine Maritime Zones Act and the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act, which President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is set to sign, will give the Philippines added legal and territorial authority, Escudero said.
“These laws strengthen our sovereignty and the exercise of our sovereign rights over our territorial waters and airspace. They bind executive officials to uphold our claims, especially in the WPS,” Escudero noted.
The Philippine Maritime Zones Act asserts the nation’s jurisdiction over its waters, seabed, and airspace, in line with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). It also outlines the rights of the Philippines in contiguous zones, the exclusive economic zone, and continental shelves.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act designates controlled sea lanes for foreign vessels and aircraft, ensuring they adhere to regulations that protect Philippine interests and the environment.
