Tolentino calls for declaration of Philippine maritime zones

Senator Francis Tolentino announced on Monday that a proposed law declaring the Philippines’ maritime zones will establish the country’s rights and jurisdiction while also incorporating the 2016 arbitral award. This law aims to address challenges such as the presence of Chinese maritime militia in Julian Felipe Reef by clearly defining the geographical extent of the Philippines’ maritime zone and the authority it can enforce.

Tolentino clarified that the proposed law is not intended to settle territorial issues but rather to clarify the Philippines’ maritime zones and the legal regimes applicable, as stated in UNCLOS and the 2016 arbitral ruling. He emphasized that the law will provide the statutory basis for the exercise of the country’s rights and jurisdiction in its maritime zones.

Furthermore, Tolentino assured that the proposed law will not affect the Sabah claim of the Philippines, emphasizing that its primary goal is to establish and define the extent of the country’s maritime zone and the authority it can exercise within that zone.

Source .