Photo credit: Western Command Armed Forces of the Philippines

Senator Francis "Tol" Tolentino assumed the role of presiding over the newly established Special Committee on Philippine Maritime and Admiralty Zones. The committee's inaugural organizational meeting and public hearing convened to address several critical measures regarding the creation of maritime zones.

Tolentino underscored the significance of the Special Committee, emphasizing its jurisdiction to scrutinize and report on all aspects relating to archipelagic baselines, maritime zones, archipelagic sea lands, and ancillary matters.

This initiative arrives against the backdrop of escalating tensions in the West Philippine Sea and growing concerns over food prices and electricity rate hikes. "It is timely," Tolentino remarked, "that the Senate of the Philippines extends its support to ensure the protection of our extensive Philippine maritime zones, including our territorial waters and vast exclusive economic zone."

Additionally, Senator Robinhood Padilla lent his unwavering support to nine legislative bills currently pending before the Senate, all aimed at defining the Philippine maritime zones. Speaking during the same meeting, Padilla emphasized the necessity of enacting a comprehensive law to establish the nation's sovereignty and jurisdiction over these crucial areas. "The Philippines won the South China Sea arbitration in July 2016," Padilla asserted, referencing the international tribunal's ruling that invalidated China's claims within the disputed 9-dash line. "This decision," he added, "affirms our entitlement to the full 200 nautical miles exclusive economic zones and continental shelf."

The Philippines, a signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) since 1982, and in force since 1994, has adhered to the international legal framework aimed at enhancing the sustainable management of ocean resources.