Marcos signs 2 laws that define PH maritime zones based on UNCLOS

Bigkis ng Mangingisda Federation, a group of fishermen from Zambales, Pangasinan, Bataan and Palawan, formed a convoy and headed to Panatag on June 1, 2024. The group unfurled a Philippine flag to show other vessels, especially Chinese boats, that the West Philippine Sea belongs to the Philippines. (File photo from BIGKIS)

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Friday signed the Philippine Maritime Zones Act and the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act.

To be known as Republic Act (RA) No. 12064, the Philippine Maritime Zones Act aims to declare the country’s maritime zones in accordance with the standards set by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

READ: PH Maritime Zones Act OKd, now up for Marcos signature – Tolentino

It will also clarify the geographical extent of the Philippine maritime domain and specify the legal powers that the Philippines may exercise over these areas.

Meanwhile, RA 12065 or the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act, complements the Philippine Maritime Zones Act in ensuring the protection of the country’s sovereignty and maritime domain.

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It will design routes and areas that shall be utilized and accessed by foreign military vessels and foreign-registered aircraft for passage.

This move follows the UNCLOS and the Convention on International Civil Aviation, or the “Chicago Convention.”