Posted: November 8, 2024
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed into law Republic Act (RA) No. 12064, otherwise known as the Philippine Maritime Zones Act and Republic Act No. 12065, otherwise known as the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Ac in a ceremonial signing held at the Ceremonial Hall, Malacañan Palace, Manila, 08 November 2024.
The two laws, both of which are priority measures of the Marcos Jr. administration, aims to reinforce the Philippines’ entitlement and responsibility within its maritime zones. RA No. 12064 declares the Philippines’ maritime zones in accordance with the standards set by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). It also seeks to designate the country’s archipelagic sea lanes, which would create routes over the country’s waters and airspace.
Meanwhile, RA No. 12065 establishes a system of archipelagic sea lanes and air routes, through which foreign vessels and aircraft shall exercise the right of archipelagic sea lanes passage. The law also indicated the obligations in the exercise of the right of archipelagic sea lanes passage as well as the acts prohibited on the sea lanes and over the air routes. It also determined the liability of water and air assets for any loss or damage suffered by the Philippines or any third party due to non-compliance with the provisions of the law.
In his message, President Marcos Jr. emphasized that the passage of the bills is close to his heart as part of the 14th Congress that passed the Philippines Archipelagic Baselines Law in 2009.
Moreover, the measures prove not only the commitment to ensuring the safety and prosperity of our maritime domain, but also our firm faith in our identity as a maritime nation.
Finally, President Marcos Jr. enjoined everyone to continue to pursue and defend our maritime interests and navigate towards a brighter and stronger Bagong Pilipinas.
Presidential Legislative Liaison Office (PLLO) Secretary Mark Llandro L. Mendoza, together with other PLLO officials and staff, attended the said ceremonial signing.
