By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
At a ceremonial signing in Malacañang on Friday, President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. inked two measures that aim to reinforce the Philippines’ entitlement and responsibility within its maritime zones.
The Chief Executive signed the Philippine Maritime Zones Act and the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act, which intend to amplify the importance of the country’s maritime and archipelagic identity.
“With these pieces of legislation, we align our domestic laws with international law, specifically the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea or UNCLOS, improve our capacity for governance, and reinforce our maritime policies for economic development and for national security,” he said at the ceremonial signing in Malacañang.
“Our people, especially our fisherfolk, should be able to pursue their livelihood free from uncertainty and harassment. We must be able to harness mineral and energy resources in our seabed,” President Marcos said.
The President emphasized that exerting control over the country’s maritime zones also projects to the international community the Philippines’ commitment to nurturing, cultivating, and protecting the country’s maritime domain.
Furthermore, the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act designates archipelagic sea lanes and air routes that aim to facilitate safe passage of foreign marine and airborne vessels without undermining national security.
He said that the two laws will impact domestic laws and regulations at the national and local level, and he is hoping that these measures will enable the country to continue defending its territorial waters.
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