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PBBM signs Maritime Zones Act into law

PRESS RELEASED


Published: 08 November 2024 | 17:00

Edited: 09 November 2024 | 14:00


President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed the Maritime Zones Act (RA 12064) and the Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act (RA 12065). During his speech, President Marcos highlighted that both pieces of legislation will define domestic laws with international law, specifically the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Furthermore, both legislations will reinforce the maritime policies of the Philippines for economic development and national security. 


President Marcos Jr. noted that the Maritime Zones Act “clearly defines the extent of our maritime entitlements and fully declares their metes and bounds in accordance with our Constitution and UNCLOS.” President Marcos further stated that it is essential in establishing the extent of our maritime jurisdiction and in ensuring that the Philippines’ rights and duties as an archipelagic state are well defined in order for all Filipinos to rightfully enjoy the riches of the Philippine seas. President Marcos Jr. underscored that “by defining and asserting our maritime zones, we project to the international community that we are staunchly committed to nurturing, cultivating and protecting our maritime domain.”


The laws (Maritime Zones Act & Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act) emphasize and empower our territory, duly recognized by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the Arbitral Award issued by the Permanent Court of Arbitration at the Hague last 2016.

Hon. Maria Rachel J Arenas, Chair of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and the main author of the Maritime Zones Act in the House of Representatives, expressed her unwavering support for the legislation, highlighting its critical role in asserting the Philippines' sovereign rights over its maritime territories and securing national interests. Cong. Arenas further noted the importance of the inclusion of the due regard and mutual respect provision as it underscores our commitment to mutual respect among nations. “We extend a welcoming hand to foreign vessels and aircraft within our maritime zones, but we also reserve the right to take necessary actions against those who defy international law”, she stated. “This is a testament to our steadfast dedication to upholding our rights and sovereignty.” According to her, the passage of the Maritime Zones Act sends a clear and strong message to the world:  “No one can deprive us of what is rightfully ours, and we will defend our territorial integrity with unwavering determination.” 


Similarly, Senator Joel Villanueva, echoed his strong support to the Maritime Zones Act, emphasizing that the measure reinforces the integrity of the Philippines’ maritime territory and affirms the country’s commitment to protecting its maritime rights: “Binibigyang diin at ngipin ng panukalang batas na ito ang integridad ng ating teritoryo, na kinikilala ng United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, at ang makasaysayang tagumpay natin sa Permanent Court of Arbitration sa Hague noong 2016" (The laws emphasize and empower our territory, duly recognized by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the Arbitral Award issued by the Permanent Court of Arbitration at the Hague last 2016).


VAdm. Jose Luis Alano AFP RET, Chairman of Foundation for National Interest, noted that it is high time for the Philippines to legislate the maritime zones act. He underscored how the law can resolve challenges posed by the Philippines’ current overlapping and inconsistent maritime laws. Furthermore, it will facilitate and spur marine economic development and provide for a more responsive and effective governance for the benefit of our maritime nation and future generations.


The town of Kalayaan in Palawan which includes the Pag-asa island, fully supports the passage of the Maritime Zones Act. The enactment of this law is a crucial step toward solidifying the Philippines' sovereignty over the seas surrounding our nation, particularly the islands and territories located within our Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG), situated in the western part of Palawan. The town noted that:


“Ang pagpasa ng Philippine Maritime Zones Law ay isang malaking hakbang sa pagpapalakas ng ating soberanya, territorial na integridad, at pamumuhay ng mga komunidad sa Pag-asa Island. Sa pamamagitan ng batas na ito, pinatutunayan natin ang ating karapatan at pagmamay-ari sa mga karagatan at isla sa ating teritoryo. Ito rin ay magbibigay ng mas mahigpit na proteksyon at suporta sa ating mga kababayan na naninirahan sa Pag-asa Island, na nagpapakita ng ating determinasyon na ipagtanggol ang kanilang karapatan at kapakanan. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!”

(The passage of the Philippine Maritime Zones Law is a giant leap in strengthening our sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the security of the communities of Pag-asa Island. These laws testify our rights and ownership over the seas and islands within our territory. This will provide support and security to the localities residing in Pag-asa Island, and shows our determination to defend its rights.)


Prof Jay Batongbacal, Executive Director of UP Institute of Maritime Affairs and Law of Sea, stated the enactment of the Maritime Zones Act as a significant milestone for the country’s maritime sovereignty. Prof. Batongbacal emphasized that, “the  enactment of the Maritime Zone Act serves to clarify the extent of our territorial and maritime jurisdictions in a manner aligned with UNCLOS and international law. Contrary to the statements of a certain country, it lays the basis for a fair, equitable, and legal allocation of authority over the seas, one that is based on a multilateral negotiated compromise forged over decades, instead of unilateral and oppressive impositions by the powerful over the weak. While Prof. Batongbacal acknowledged that the law  does not solve each and every problem nor address all of our challenges in managing our seas, he pointed out that it is a fundamental first step toward properly solving and addressing them as a sovereign nation and as a member of a peaceful international community governed by the Rule of Law.”


Mr. Julio Amador III, Senior Advisor at Waypoints, highlighted that the enactment of the Philippine Maritime Zones Act is vital and critical for the protection of the country’s maritime domain, especially amidst China's aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea. The passage of the law demonstrates the Philippines' exercise of its right to delineate the metes and bounds of its maritime zones as provided for by UNCLOS. He further emphasized that the Maritime Zones Act will not only improve the Philippines’ maritime security and governance framework, but it will also allow the Philippines to unlock and harness the potentials of its blue economy.


Dr. Rhodora Azanza, Professor Emeritus, UP Marine Science Institute, hailed the Maritime Zones Act as a “legacy legislation” that  will generate long lasting impacts on generations of Filipinos whose lives will benefit from our Archipelagic and Maritime endowments. She pointed out that the law will not only strengthen the Philippines’ sovereignty over its maritime domains but will also pave the way for a prosperous and sustainable Blue Economy that will benefit generations to come.


The Amador Research Services, through the Waypoints Project, provided technical assistance and research to key stakeholders underscoring the importance of the Maritime Zones Act.


 


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