Senator Joel Villanueva has expressed optimism over the enactment of the proposed Blue Economy Act, which seeks to sustain the Philippines’ oceanic resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and the health of the country’s ocean ecosystems.

Both the House of Representatives and Senate have passed their respective versions of the bill on third and final reading. It is currently under discussion in the bicameral conference committee.

"While there are ongoing discussions regarding the differing provisions in both versions, we are optimistic that these issues will be resolved so the measure can be signed into law, as it is a priority for the administration," he said.

The Philippines has an expansive maritime domain of 2.2 million square kilometers of territorial waters and exclusive economic zones (EEZ), and the world's fifth-longest coastline at 37,000 kilometers.

As one of the authors of the Blue Economy Bill, Villanueva said that they believe that the proposed legislation will empower the government to ensure the sustainability and protection of the vast coastal and marine resources and to harness the potential of the country's ocean wealth to promote livelihood and employment in our ocean-based economy.

"Taken in conjunction with the Archipelagic Sea Lanes Bill, our goal is to safeguard what is rightfully ours, including our exclusive economic zones in the West Philippine Sea (WPS)," he said.

The Senate and House have both filed bills and resolutions to address WPS issues like the National WPS Day of Senator Rosa Hontiveros, the Philippine Maritime Zones Act of Senator Francis Tolentino, and the Center for West Philippine Studies of Cagaya de Oro 2nd distric Rep. Rufus Rodriguez.