THE House of Representatives ratified the bicameral conference committee report on the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes (ASLs) Bill on September 09, 2024. The bill will now be prepared for transmittal to the Office of the President. Once enacted into law, the designation of ASLs shall strengthen our country’s maritime governance and security. It likewise balances the Philippines’ national interest and the right of the international community as provided in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Rep. Maria Rachel J. Arenas, the Chairperson of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and head of the House contingent to the bicameral conference committee, expressed her gratitude to her colleagues for the swift ratification of the ASLs bicam report. She stressed that, “The protection of our maritime domain has never been more critical. The establishment of archipelagic sea lanes within our waters, as mandated by the UNCLOS, is essential to safeguard the integrity of our national territory while maintaining our commitments under international law.”
She also emphasized that, “this Act is designed to provide clear guidelines for the passage of foreign ships and aircraft through our archipelagic waters, ensuring that such passage does not undermine our national security or disturb the peace and good order of our country. Together with the Philippine Maritime Zones Act, reinforces the Philippines’ commitment to international maritime law, particularly UNCLOS, while fostering greater cooperation with neighboring states in maintaining peace and stability in the region.”
The conference committee on the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Bill chaired by Sen. Francis Tolentino and Rep. Maria Rachel Arenas finalized the bicameral conference committee report on September 04, 2024. The bicameral conference committee meeting was also attended by Senators Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III and Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, and Representatives Marcelino C. Libanan, Loreto “Ton” B. Acharon, and Raul “Boboy” C. Tupas.
