The consolidated version of proposed Archipelagic Sea Lanes (ASL) Law to help ensure the country’s maritime domain was approved by bicameral conference panel.
Majority Leader Francis Tolentino, head of the Senate panel, said the measure would also strengthen the country’s territorial integrity and national security.
After extensive discussions, members gave their nod to the consolidated Senate and House version of the proposed Archipelagic Sea Lanes (ASL) Law.
Tolentino noted that the measure implements the provisions of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
He said this will be done by designating the country’s archipelagic sea lanes, and governing archipelagic sea lanes passage by foreign vessels and aircraft.
Once passed, the law will be submitted to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), which will notify other countries of the new legislation.
“The IMO enforces strict compliance mechanisms, and if they (foreign vessels and aircraft, including military warships and aircraft) do not comply, we can deny them access under this measure,” Tolentino said.
“We thank the members of the House contingent for their attendance and quick resolution of the conflicting provisions,” he added.
Tolentino, who also chairs the Special Committee on Maritime and Admiralty Zones, announced that the two measures he authored and sponsored —the Maritime Zones Bill and the Archipelagic Sea Lanes Bill—are expected to be submitted to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos next week.
