‘TOL VIEWS
Now that the Philippine Maritime Zones Act and the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act have been signed, our even more challenging work begins. While the passage of these landmark legislations has been widely perceived as a preliminary victory, and a headway in the continuing pursuit for territorial security and geopolitical stability, China’s reaction to RA 120641 and RA 120651 cannot be dismissed nor brushed aside.
The Philippine Maritime Zones Act and the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act are crucial legal frameworks that not only determine our national boundaries. More importantly, these laws strengthen our rightful claim over maritime resources which, when responsibly utilized, can greatly benefit millions of Filipinos.
These laws not only provide legal support for international territorial claims, and strengthen sovereignty and national security; these laws likewise create significant economic impacts by enabling the Philippines to freely harness maritime resources and protect and preserve the same for future Filipinos.
The Philippine Maritime Zones Act and the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act have opened new opportunities for our country to explore and tap potential energy resources beneath Philippine waters such as oil and gas, and similarly, to contribute to the promotion of regional peace and stability in the Asia Pacific.
With a domestic legislation that clearly aligns with international laws, the Philippines now stands on firmer grounds to assert its present and future territorial claims in international tribunals. We are now in a stronger position to gather support from other nations similarly threatened by China’s standing refusal to recognize international ruling. The Philippine Maritime Zones Act and the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act can greatly improve cooperation with allied countries and international organizations in preserving peace and promoting respect for the rule of law.
A large part of my objective in sponsoring the Philippine Maritime Zones Act and the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act has always been to preserve Philippine resources for the benefit of Filipinos. Apart from clearly defining boundaries, these laws have created an imperative for better management and conservation of marine resources, of course with the end view of preserving marine biodiversity and sustainability.
The approval of the Philippine Maritime Zones Act and the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act is a central turning point in defending our sovereignty and promoting national security. I am truly happy and proud that with public support and the support of my colleagues in the legislative branch, we have together made an indelible mark in Philippine legislation.
Yes, the West Philippine Sea conflict will remain and continue to create tension. The difference, however, is that we now have the Philippine Maritime Zones Act and the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act which aligns us with international laws and the shared regional sentiment on the issue.