Iloilo Fifth District Representative Raul “Boboy” Tupas has lauded the enactment of laws that assert the country’s rights over the West Philippine Sea and other maritime zones.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed the Philippine Maritime Zones Act and the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act on Friday, Nov. 8.
“We have done our share to protect, pursue and defend our maritime interests especially the West Philippine Sea,” said Tupas.
“Our gratitude to President Bongbong Marcos, [Senate President] Chiz Escudero, [House] Speaker Martin Romualdez, and senior officials of the security sector,” the Ilonggo lawmaker added.
Tupas is one of the authors of the two landmark laws. He also served as a member of the bicameral conference committee that reconciled the disagreeing provisions of the House and Senate versions.
The Philippine Maritime Zones Act or Republic Act (RA) 12064 “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.”
Meanwhile, the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act or RA 12065 “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.”
It also “prescribes the rights and obligations of foreign ships and aircraft exercising the right of archipelagic sea lanes passage through the established Philippine archipelagic sea lanes.”
Tupas was present during the ceremonial signing at Malacañan Palace in Manila.IMT
