President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to its sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea, dismissing China’s objection to the country’s newly enacted maritime and archipelagic sea lanes laws.
Speaking in Tagaytay City on Thursday, President Marcos said the laws reflect the Philippines’ longstanding stance on its maritime rights.
“Nothing has changed because our situation is still the same. Our position is still the same,” President Marcos stated in a media interview.
Last week, China summoned the Philippine ambassador, urging Manila to halt what it termed “unilateral actions” and respect Beijing’s claimed territorial sovereignty and maritime rights in the South China Sea.
China also called for a commitment to peace and stability in the region.
Mr. Marcos recently enacted two key laws, the Philippine Maritime Zone (PMZ) Act and the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes (PASL) Act, to bolster the nation’s maritime rights.
The PMZ Act delineates the Philippines’ maritime boundaries according to international law, safeguarding its territorial waters, exclusive economic zone (EEZ), and continental shelf, crucial for asserting jurisdiction amid South China Sea disputes.
The PASL Act designates sea lanes for foreign vessels in Philippine waters, enhancing maritime security while ensuring navigation freedom under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). It allows the Philippines to regulate transit and manage foreign vessels along set routes.
President Marcos stated that these laws are vital for strengthening the Philippines’ sovereignty and security amid escalating maritime tensions.
