The Maritime Zones Act (RA 12604) and Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act (RA 12605) are two laws that further strengthen Philippines’ territorial claims.
This law defines the country’s maritime boundaries, including internal waters, archipelagic waters, and exclusive economic zones, aligning with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
The Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act will provide routes for foreign ships and aircraft to the Philippines. The law will strengthen the Philippine authority to deport foreign ships and aircraft if they are considered a threat to the country’s security, in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the Convention on Civil Aviation.
In his speech at the ceremonial signing, President Marcos said the two laws are demonstration of a strong commitment to protect the country’s maritime resources, maintain rich biodiversity and ensure that it remains a source of food and livelihood.
Abner is an award-winning journalist. He received the prestigious 2015 Titus Brandsma Award for Community Communication in the Philippines and participated in the 2016 International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) of the United States of America, sponsored by the US Embassy in the Philippines. Founder of WATCH NORTH COTABATO, a media-citizens’ transparency group. He worked as a correspondent for the Philippine Daily Inquirer and CNN Philippines. His experience in broadcasting includes anchoring for Brigada News FM in Kidapawan and General Santos City and Brigada News TV. He anchors Tira Brigada via 105.1 Brigada News FM Manila, Mondays-Saturdays.