Philippines Solidifies Sovereignty with Landmark Maritime Laws to Protect West Philippine Sea

Signing into law the Philippine Maritime Zones Act and the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. made a clear statement on claiming the Philippines’ maritime sovereignty. Particularly over the resource-rich West Philippine Sea, these historic steps represent a significant progress in the nation’s continuous attempts to protect its waters. These new rules will not only support the assertions of the nation but also deliberately place the Philippines in the larger framework of international maritime law.

Marcos underlined the significant consequences of both laws at the signing ceremony, pointing out that “the passage of these two priority bills fully demonstrates our commitment as a responsible member of the international community and our advocacy to uphold rules-based international order.” “These mark our will to safeguard our marine resources, preserve our great biodiversity, and guarantee that our waters remain a source of life and livelihood for all Filipinos,” he said. In view of regional conflicts and the need of preserving the territory integrity and resources of the country for next generations, the President’s comments show an increasingly forceful attitude to maritime rights.

Asserting National Jurisdiction Over Significant Maritime Zones: Philippine Maritime Zones Act

The framework for the Philippines’ jurisdiction over its marine territory—including its internal seas, territorial sea, archipelagic waterways, and airspace above them—is set forth in the Philippine marine Zones Act. Complementing the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the Act recognizes the sovereign rights of the Philippines over these waters, therefore granting authority to the seabed, subsoil, all living and non-living resources found there.

Along with its exclusive economic zone (EEZ), continental shelf, and extended continental shelf, this law also defines the country’s contiguous zone—which stretches 24 nautical miles from the baselines. Key for environmental protection and resource exploitation, the EEZ gives the Philippines sole authority to control economic operations inside this zone and gather maritime resources.

The new law is a functional framework to enforce jurisdiction rather than only a declaration of national pride. “By asserting our rights over the sea and air, we are ensuring the usage of our rich resources in our territorial waters for the benefit of our people,” Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero underlined on the importance of the measure. Escudero thinks that this law will help the Philippines to keep more control over its waterways, thereby supporting its sovereignty over its land among increasing difficulties in the South China Sea.

One Step Towards Applying the 2016 Arbitral Ruling

Viewed as a formal step toward implementing the 2016 arbitral verdict invalidating China’s vast claims over the South China Sea, which Beijing continues to challenge, the Maritime Zones Act Played a major role in passing the Act, Senator Francis Tolentino hailed it as a significant legislative victory for Philippine policy. “The 2016 arbitral verdict is implemented in the passing of the Maritime Zones Law. So, in-implement natin dito iyong 2016 arbitral verdict, he said. Tolentino underlined that this is not only a claim of rights but also a legislative pledge to guard the nation’s seas against outside invasion.

The legal application of “West Philippine Sea” in Philippine law, therefore confirming the nation’s claim to the disputed waters, is another important feature of the Act. The law also defines the eastern portion of the Philippines, formerly Benham Rise and then renamed Philippine Rise, as “Talampas ng Pilipinas,” therefore highlighting the significance of this territory to the maritime character and territorial extent of the country.

Act regulating Passage and Improving Security: Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes

Complementing the Maritime Zones Act, the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act offers a disciplined mechanism for controlling foreign ship and aircraft transit in the archipelago seas of the Philippines. This Act empowers the President to designate particular sea lanes for aviation and foreign vessels, therefore guaranteeing that these paths do not jeopardize national security or sovereignty.

Covering forbidden conduct in marine lanes and air routes, the legislation specifies standards for foreign boats and includes clauses allowing violators to be held responsible. Legal consequences could follow any foreign asset damaging the environment or breaking approved passing procedures. The law seeks to defend the maritime environment of the nation and shield its national interests against excessive exploitation by outside companies.

Given the Philippines’ strategic posture in the area, this law also seeks to lower possible security concerns in the waterways of the nation. The law will guarantee that foreign vessels entering Philippine territory follow national rules and do not compromise local resources or jeopardize biodiversity, therefore enabling more thorough surveillance of them.

Clarifying Enforcement Policies for Maritime Authorities

The two new laws will help Philippine authorities to more successfully assert their marine rights. Senior State Counsel Atty. Fretti Ganchoon further discussed the need of upgrading the maritime rules of the country to match present international criteria. “Our collection of maritime zones is not perfect. Therefore, the main goal of this legislation is to guarantee that every current regulation pertaining to marine areas is revised and conformable with UNCLOS,” she stated. The revised law is supposed to direct government entities more precisely in safeguarding Philippine territory.

Ganchoon further mentioned that these rules provide law enforcement agencies in enforcing maritime boundaries confidence and clarity. “This would give clarity to the enforcement of our laws, especially in the West Philippine Sea,” she said, pointing out that the efficacy of these laws depends not on acceptance from other governments. Instead, it improves the Philippines’ domestic legal posture and increases its capacity for enforcement, especially with relation to resource preservation in contentious areas.

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China’s Reaction and the Global Relevance of the New Laws

Given China’s ongoing opposition to the 2016 arbitral verdict, Senator Tolentino said that even with the legislative developments in the Philippines, China is unlikely to accept the new regulations. Tolentino said, underscoring China’s ongoing resistance to the legal framework maintained by UNCLOS, “We don’t expect an instant recognition on the part of China because they have been disregarding international law.” China has contended that international requests to acknowledge the arbitral decision are “illegal” and “invalid,” therefore negating its validity.

Although these laws mostly aim to strengthen national sovereignty, they also clearly convey abroad the Philippines’ will to preserve a rules-based international system. These rules help the Philippines to maintain its position as a country dedicated to world standards and the peaceful settling of problems. They also show, nevertheless, the nation’s will to protect its rights and resources against outside demands.

Future consequences and the road forward

Declaring its sovereignty over its marine territory, the Philippine marine Zones Act and the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act mark a turning point for the Philippines. These rules not only help to fortify the country’s defenses against invasion but also open the path for sustainable resource management in its seas, therefore safeguarding the rich marine biodiversity for next generations.

These steps are vital for the future of the country, as President Marcos underlined as they provide the possibility for national security, environmental protection, and economic development. They indicate that the Philippines will keep claiming its rights and advancing the welfare of its people by improved control over its seas, therefore reflecting a dedication to both immediate and long-term rewards for the nation.

In a territory beset with territorial conflicts, these laws also highlight the Philippines’ will to adopt a measured, forceful posture honoring international law. Along with a clearer legal structure for handling the Philippines’ ties to surrounding nations, they offer a basis for diplomatic activities. For Filipinos, these laws confirm their country’s entitlement to its territory and support its position on the world scene, therefore expressing pride and purpose.