Marcos signs maritime zones, sea lanes laws
Metro Manila, Philippines — The Philippines has taken significant steps to protect its sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea and regulate foreign vessel access with the signing of two key bills into law: the Philippine Maritime Zones Act and the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. led the ceremonial signing of these landmark legislations on Friday, Nov. 8.
“With these pieces of legislation, we align our domestic laws with international law, specifically the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea or UNCLOS, improve our capacity for governance, and reinforce our maritime policies for economic development and for national security,” said Marcos.
These laws, prioritized by the Marcos administration, come amid increasing tensions in the South China Sea (also referred to as the West Philippine Sea) and mark the first time the term "West Philippine Sea" has been formally included in a law passed by Congress.
Maritime Zones Act: Defending PH waters and resources
The Philippine Maritime Zones Act asserts the country’s sovereignty over its maritime zones, including internal waters, territorial seas, and archipelagic waters, along with the airspace, seabed, and subsoil. This law is in line with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and other international agreements.
It delineates the Philippines’ “contiguous zone,” a 24-nautical-mile area from the country's baselines that extends beyond its territorial sea. It also defines the country's “exclusive economic zone” (EEZ), “continental shelf,” and “extended continental shelf,” clarifying areas under Philippine jurisdiction.
Additionally, the law mandates that all maritime scientific research conducted within Philippine maritime zones must benefit the Filipino people. It reaffirms the 2016 Arbitral Award, which invalidated China's expansive claims in the South China Sea, as a foundation of Philippine policy.
Sea Lanes Act: Regulating foreign vessels in PH waters
This law designates specific sea lanes through Philippine archipelagic waters, allowing foreign vessels and aircraft to pass while upholding Philippine regulations. The President is tasked with establishing and maintaining these sea lanes.
The law outlines the obligations of foreign vessels in these designated passages and specifies actions prohibited in Philippine sea lanes and air routes. Foreign ships or aircraft will be held liable for any damage caused by non-compliance.
China’s objection
China has voiced opposition to the Philippine Maritime Zones Act, with Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning saying in March that the measure “severely violates China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights” by including areas such as Scarborough Shoal and parts of the Spratly Islands within Philippine maritime zones.
Beijing has filed démarches in protest, arguing that the new law attempts to enforce the 2016 arbitral ruling which China rejects as "illegal."
These laws mark a bold step by the Philippines to formalize its claims and responsibilities over its maritime territory and protect its interests in the West Philippine Sea.
