NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Marcos Signs Key Laws To Protect Philippine Waters And Support Fisherfolk
Photo credit: PCO
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. made a significant move for the Philippines’ maritime future by signing into law two landmark measures on Friday. The Philippine Maritime Zones Act and the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act, as he described, underscore the Philippines' maritime identity and strengthen its presence on the world stage.
“These laws are more than policy; they’re about preserving our resources and rights in our vast maritime spaces,” said Marcos during the ceremonial signing event at Malacañang Palace. By aligning domestic policies with international standards under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the President emphasized that these new laws will bolster the country's economic development, national security, and environmental stewardship.
The Philippine Maritime Zones Act formally defines the nation’s maritime boundaries, ensuring that the country’s exclusive rights over its waters are recognized and respected. President Marcos highlighted that this measure offers security for Filipinos, particularly for fisherfolk who rely on the sea for their livelihood. “Our people, especially our fisherfolk, should be able to pursue their livelihood free from uncertainty and harassment. We must be able to harness mineral and energy resources in our seabed,” he said, stressing the need for clearly marked zones to support the nation’s economy and protect its resources.
The Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act, on the other hand, maps out safe passage lanes for foreign vessels and aircraft, balancing openness with the protection of national interests. “These designated sea lanes will ensure foreign passage without compromising our national security nor our commitment to environmental care,” President Marcos explained. This act is intended to allow the Philippines to manage who passes through its waters, providing better oversight and safety measures.
The President concluded by expressing optimism that these laws will help the country stand firm in its maritime rights and move forward with a clear path in defending its territories and supporting its citizens. "It is my fervent hope that with these two laws, we will continue to defend our maritime interests and navigate towards a brighter and stronger Bagong Pilipinas."
“These laws are more than policy; they’re about preserving our resources and rights in our vast maritime spaces,” said Marcos during the ceremonial signing event at Malacañang Palace. By aligning domestic policies with international standards under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the President emphasized that these new laws will bolster the country's economic development, national security, and environmental stewardship.
The Philippine Maritime Zones Act formally defines the nation’s maritime boundaries, ensuring that the country’s exclusive rights over its waters are recognized and respected. President Marcos highlighted that this measure offers security for Filipinos, particularly for fisherfolk who rely on the sea for their livelihood. “Our people, especially our fisherfolk, should be able to pursue their livelihood free from uncertainty and harassment. We must be able to harness mineral and energy resources in our seabed,” he said, stressing the need for clearly marked zones to support the nation’s economy and protect its resources.
The Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act, on the other hand, maps out safe passage lanes for foreign vessels and aircraft, balancing openness with the protection of national interests. “These designated sea lanes will ensure foreign passage without compromising our national security nor our commitment to environmental care,” President Marcos explained. This act is intended to allow the Philippines to manage who passes through its waters, providing better oversight and safety measures.
The President concluded by expressing optimism that these laws will help the country stand firm in its maritime rights and move forward with a clear path in defending its territories and supporting its citizens. "It is my fervent hope that with these two laws, we will continue to defend our maritime interests and navigate towards a brighter and stronger Bagong Pilipinas."
Nov 8, 2024
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