The two maritime laws recently enacted by President Marcos Jr. will help the country in securing its rights over its territory, particularly in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) where China continues to claim parts of it, the National Security Council (NSC) said.

National Security Adviser (NSA) Eduardo Año thanked Marcos for signing into law the Philippine Maritime Zones Act and Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act on Friday, Nov. 8, as well as lawmakers from the Senate and House of Representatives for passing the “landmark” legislations.

“The enactment of these laws is a significant step toward securing the Philippines' rights over its vast maritime territories, most especially in the West Philippine Sea. These legal instruments solidify our territory and enhances our ability to protect our country against any infringement,” he said.

The Philippine Maritime Zones Act declares the Philippines’ maritime zones in accordance with the standards set by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). It also seeks to designate the country’s archipelagic sea lanes, which would create routes over the country’s waters and airspace.

With the Philippine Maritime Zones Act, Año said it reaffirms the country’s sovereignty over its internal waters, territorial sea, archipelagic waters, as well as sovereign rights and jurisdiction over the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and continental shelf. 

“This law provides a clear and robust legal framework to protect and manage our maritime resources and entitlements, ensuring their sustainable use for the benefit of the Filipino people. In doing so, it further strengthens our legal standing in line with the 2016 Arbitral Ruling and international norms,” he said, referring to the tribunal ruling which invalidated China’s dash-line claims in the South China Sea in favor of the Philippines’ protest eight years ago.

Meanwhile, Año said that the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act enables the country to regulate the passage of foreign vessels and aircraft within its archipelagic waters.

The Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act establishes a system of archipelagic sea lanes and air routes, through which foreign vessels and aircraft shall exercise the right of archipelagic sea lanes passage.

“This legislation ensures that our maritime domain remains secure and that foreign activities within our waters are effectively regulated and conducted in a manner that respects Philippine sovereignty and national security,” the NSA said.

“It establishes vital safeguards to protect both our maritime resources and the environment, reinforcing our responsibility to uphold the sanctity of our waters and airspace,” he added.

As an archipelagic and maritime nation, Año said the country’s seas are crucial to economic prosperity and national security. With the new laws, he stressed that the legislations “empower the government to govern the maritime zones effectively while promoting lawful and peaceful maritime activities.”

“We are committed to working closely with all relevant stakeholders to ensure the full implementation and enforcement of these vital pieces of legislation,” he said.

China has called out the Philippines for passing the two maritime laws and even summoned the Philippine envoy to their country over the issue, saying that the latter "seeks to justify its illegal claims and actions in the South China Sea".

Manila recently hosted a dialogue on the South China Sea to address tensions in the key waterway.