Aside from protecting the country’s territory, Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda has highlighted that legal stability in maritime zones should be ensured with demarcated maritime boundaries in accordance with the law.
In her speech during the forum commemorating the 7th anniversary of the arbitral tribunal ruling on Thursday, Legarda cited the role of Congress in translating the zones provided by United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) into specifically defined and bounded areas through domestic legislation.
She underscored the importance of maintaining reciprocity and mutual respect in upholding the rights of the Philippines over the West Philippine Sea (WPS) as constituted under UNCLOS.
Legarda also urged the national government to clearly define the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ), which can help solidify sovereignty and provide a legal basis for the country to control maritime territories and resources effectively.
“It is important to note that the Philippines is a maritime and archipelagic nation,” Legarda said, adding that 832 municipalities out of 1,500 and 57 cities out of 117 are coastal.
She said 64 provinces out of 79 have coastal domains.
“The data shows that Philippine waters have always played an important role in the lives of Filipinos and have helped shape Filipino identity and culture,” she added.
Legarda filed early this year Senate Bill (SB) 1649 or the Philippine Maritime Zones Act that seeks to create a comprehensive legal structure conforming to the UNCLOS that reflects the essence of a rules-based system for maritime governance.
Legarda said this would be an essential tool that would help implement the arbitral ruling and incorporate the tribunal’s decision into legislation.
“We also want to establish, as a basic foundation, the maritime zones within which our blue economy will be managed, nurtured, and made to prosper,” Legarda said, as she also urged the passage of the SB 1993 or the Blue Economy Act which is among the priority legislations of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
“A strong maritime governance framework will not only protect our sovereignty, unlock economic opportunities, and protect marine ecosystems; it will also enhance climate resilience, promote sustainable fisheries, support maritime research and development, strengthen maritime security institutions, strengthen coastal resilience, and empower coastal communities,” she said.
“A solid governance framework and economic valuation will ensure that our coastal communities can secure tenure over their traditional fishing grounds and enable them to participate in decision-making processes, access financial resources, and benefit from the sustainable use of marine resources,” she added.
The lawmaker urged Filipinos to reflect on the UNCLOS arbitral ruling as it validates the Philippines’ claim and allows the government to safeguard the country’s maritime assets and ecosystem, saying it should not only be symbolic but one that provides tangible benefits for the country. (PNA)
Photo credit: Facebook/coastguardph