Archipelagic Sea Lanes bill gets Senate nod in final reading
Senate Majority Leader Francis “Tol” Tolentino reports about the fishermen who figured in a “hit-and-run” incident off Bajo de Masinloc. FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Another priority bill has gained the Senate’s third and final reading approval, this time it’s Senate Bill No. 2665 which seeks to establish the country’s Archipelagic Sea Lanes (ASLs).
Senators unanimously approved the bill during the chamber’s Tuesday plenary session with 22 affirmative, zero negative votes, and zero abstentions.
“With the passage of this measure, Congress has moved a step closer in putting our archipelagic house in order,” said Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino, chairperson of the Senate’s special panel on maritime and admiralty zones and the principal author and sponsor of SBN 2665.
“Designating ASLs will solidify the country’s maritime domain and prevent arbitrary passage in the Philippine archipelago by foreign vessels and aircraft,” he added.
According to Tolentino, with designated ASLs, the Philippine government will be able to monitor the movement of foreign vessels and aircraft within the country’s territorial waters.
Article continues after this advertisement“We will be able to better monitor the movement of foreign vessels and aircraft and ask them to leave should they pose a threat to our peace and order, and national security,” he said.
Article continues after this advertisementThe approval of the bill came in light of China’s continued aggressive behavior in Philippine waters.
On August 8, Chinese fighter jets made a “dangerous” move against a Philippine Air Force plane by firing flares into its path as it was flying over Scarborough Shoal.
AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. condemned what he branded as “provocative actions” of the People’s Liberation Army Air Force, pointing out that it “endangered the lives of [Filipino] personnel undertaking maritime security operations” on the morning of Aug. 8.
China’s continued aggression in Philippine waters is borne out of a sweeping claim over most of the South China Sea, including the West Philippine Sea.
It, however, has long been dismissed by an arbitral tribunal.
For his part, Tolentino said the passage of SBN 2665, along with the Maritime Zones Act, was made more urgent and necessary.
Tolentino said the designation of ASLs is a discretion of the Philippines as an archipelago and a state party to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
READ: Bill creating archipelagic sea lanes reaches Senate floor
Under SBN 2665, ASLs are defined as a “designated sea lanes in the archipelagic waters and air routes thereabove 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.”
For comprehensive coverage, in-depth analysis, visit our special page for West Philippine Sea updates. Stay informed with articles, videos, and expert opinions.
