MANILA—Senators unanimously approved Senate Bill No. 2665, the Archipelagic Sea Lanes (ASL) Act, on Tuesday. This landmark measure aims to strengthen the country's territorial integrity and national security by designating ASLs throughout the country.
In his manifestation, Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino said the measure's approval is a "significant victory for our nation" as the ASL Act affirms Philippine sovereignty.
"The Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act is grounded in the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), particularly Articles 53 and 54, which grant archipelagic states like the Philippines the authority to designate specific sea lanes and air routes suitable for the continuous and expeditious passage of foreign vessels and aircraft," Tolentino said.
"By defining our sea lanes, we are asserting our rights as an archipelagic state while also fulfilling our obligations under international law," he added.
Tolentino said passing the measure, together with the Maritime Zones Act, is more urgent given China's frequency and severity of aggressive behaviors in the West Philippine Sea.
"While before, their aggression was only limited within the waters at the West Philippine Sea, just recently, on August 8, two aircraft of the People's Liberation Army Air Force performed dangerous maneuvers and dropped flares near a Philippine Air Force aircraft conducting a maritime patrol over Bajo de Masinloc," he said.
SBN 2665 defines archipelagic sea lanes as "designated sea lanes in the archipelagic waters and air routes above through which foreign vessels may exercise the right of archipelagic sea lanes passage."
The measure also defines the right of innocent passage as the "continuous and expeditious passage of foreign vessels through the territorial sea that is not prejudicial to the peace, good order, or security of the Philippines."
Tolentino expressed optimism that the country could benefit economically from managing its ASLs. (PNA)
Commentaires