THE National Security Council (NSC) yesterday dismissed China’s concerns over the newly-signed Philippine Maritime Zones Act and Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act which the Chinese said violate their territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea.
During a public briefing, NSC Assistant Director General and spokesman Jonathan Malaya said the new laws are consistent with international laws, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
“China has no reason to protest the law,” Malaya said referring to the Philippine Maritime Zones Act, adding that the provisions of the law are aligned with international laws.
China has summoned the Philippine ambassador to China after President Marcos Jr signed the laws last Friday. It said the Philippine action seeks to justify its “illegal claims and actions” in the South China Sea.
Malaya said it is just proper for the Philippines to have these laws, noting that China has its own law on territorial sea and contiguous zone.
“We are simply reaffirming our rights, we are simply codifying our rights. And I think People’s Republic of China has no reason to be concerned about because we are not violating any international law,” said Malaya.
The Philippine Maritime Zones Act and the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act, signed by President Marcos Jr last Friday, seeks to reinforce the Philippines’ entitlement and responsibility within its maritime zones.
Marcos said the two are “significant laws that emphasize the importance of our maritime and archipelagic identity.”
“With these pieces of legislation, we align our domestic laws with international law, specifically the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea or UNCLOS, improve our capacity for governance, and reinforce our maritime policies for economic development and for national security,” he said during signing ceremonies in Malacañang.
UNCLOS
Malaya said the two laws are consistent with UNCLOS which provides coastal states like the Philippines a 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
Also, Malaya said the laws are also consistent with the 2016 decision of the Permanent Court of Arbitration that invalidated China’s excessive claim in the South China and recognized the Philippines’ rights to its EEZ.
“In essence, they affirmed our sovereignty over our territorial sea, our internal waters and archipelagic waters while at the same time reaffirming our economic rights and sovereign rights and jurisdiction over the exclusive economic zone of our nation,” he said.
Malaya said the Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act, including specific coordinates of the sea lanes, will have to be submitted to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) which is composed of 176 members, including China.
Once approved, Malaya said, these sea lanes will become the “acknowledged sea lanes.”
Malaya said penalties will be imposed on companies and countries whose ships would go outside the sea lanes.
“This is just the first step,” Malaya said of the signing of the Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act. “There will be future steps with the IMO,” he added, referring to the IMO consent.
REED BANK
Senate majority leader Francis Tolentino said it is time for government to explore Reed Bank and the Philippine Rise now that the two laws have been signed.
Tolentino said the government can enter into agreements with allied countries which have the capability to conduct scientific marine explorations in parts of the West Philippine Sea and the Philippine Rise since the government has no capability to conduct such activities.
“… It is about time to have that exploration, mindful of the Bayan Muna Supreme Court decision that really gave Philippine corporations, the State, 100 percent control of exploratory ventures. So, it’s about time that we tap the Reed Bank, and the other areas,” Tolentino said in an interview with ANC.
Tolentino said the Philippine government seems to be focused too much on the West Philippine Sea.
He said it is timely to explore the Philippine Rise which is located on the eastern seaboard and which was recognized in 2009 by the United Nations as part of the country’s territory.
“We have been too focused on the western side of the archipelago, the West Philippine Sea, where there is tension right now. So, the twin laws would likewise provide attention to the eastern seaboard. I’m now referring to the (former) Benham Rise, Philippine Rise,” he said.
Tolentino said it is expected that China, which claims almost the entire South China Sea/West Philippine Sea, to oppose the two new laws.
“So, regardless of what China is saying, the mere fact that we were able to pass a law is clear indication that we are implementing the UNCLOS and the 2016 Hague arbitral ruling,” he said.
DRILLS
Troops held amphibious assault and counter-landing drills at a Palawan town facing the West Philippine Sea in the South China Sea to hone skills on external defense operations.
The drills in Aborlan town on Saturday and Sunday were conducted as part of the ongoing AFP Joint Exercise DAGIT-PA — a 12-day exercise that started on Monday last week.
“The exercise … aims to enhance the interoperability among the different branches of the military and strengthen cohesion across various defense mission areas,” said Capt. Marissa Meriel, spokesperson of the 3rd Marine Brigade.
The exercise involved forces and assets from the brigade and from other units of the Philippine Navy, Philippine Air Force and Philippine Army, said Meriel.
“The exercise featured breaching operation and live-fire demonstrations from artillery, armored vehicles, SRLLs (squad rocket launcher light), heavy and light machine guns, and small arms,” said Meriel of the two-day event.
“It also included air support from the A-29 Super Tucano, showcasing the AFP’s integrated air and ground capabilities,” she added.
Military officials have said DAGIT-PA is not aimed at China, which has become aggressive in its claims over the West Philippine Sea in the past years.
The Chinese have also harassed Philippine government vessels and aircraft and even Filipino boats in the area, leading to damage of vessels and injuries to troops.
“The primary objective of the exercise was to focus on improving the interoperability and overall capability development of AFP units, ensuring they can operate seamlessly across joint and combined domains,” Meriel said of the drills in Aborlan town.
Meriel said DAGIT-PA “plays a critical role in strengthening the AFP’s external and territorial defense posture, supporting the operationalization of defense strategies such as the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept.”
“Through these exercises, the AFP improves its capabilities and integrates systems for joint maritime and air domain operations, further enhancing national security and defense readiness,” said Meriel. – With Raymond Africa
