We thank President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for signing into law on Friday, Nov.8, the Philippine Maritime Zones Act and the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act. We also thank the Senate and the House of Representatives for passing these landmark legislation.
This marks a pivotal moment in fortifying our maritime sovereignty and securing our national interests, aligned with international law and in accordance with the Philippines’ rights and obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
With the Philippine Maritime Zones Act, we reaffirm our sovereignty over our internal waters, territorial sea, archipelagic waters, as well as our sovereign rights and jurisdiction over the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and continental shelf. This law provides a clear and robust legal framework to protect and manage our maritime resources and entitlements, ensuring their sustainable use for the benefit of the Filipino people. In doing so, it further strengthens our legal standing in line with the 2016 Arbitral Ruling and international norms.
Equally important is the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act, which enables us to regulate the passage of foreign vessels and aircraft within our archipelagic waters.
This legislation ensures that our maritime domain remains secure and that foreign activities within our waters are effectively regulated and conducted in a manner that respects Philippine sovereignty and national security. It establishes vital safeguards to protect both our maritime resources and the environment, reinforcing our responsibility to uphold the sanctity of our waters and airspace.
The enactment of these laws is a significant step toward securing the Philippines’ rights over its vast maritime territories, most especially in the West Philippine Sea.
These legal instruments solidify our territory and enhances our ability to protect our country against any infringement. As an archipelagic and maritime nation, our seas are crucial to our economic prosperity and national security. These laws empower us to govern our maritime zones effectively, while promoting lawful and peaceful maritime activities.
We are committed to working closely with all relevant stakeholders to ensure the full implementation and enforcement of these vital pieces of legislation. (NSC)
