Senate ratifies consolidated version of proposed Archipelagic Sea Lanes law

MANILA, Philippines — The Senate approved and ratified the bicameral conference committee report on the proposed Archipelagic Sea Lanes law.

During the upper chamber’s Wednesday plenary session, Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino hailed the approval of the measure, which he said would help ensure the country’s maritime domain and strengthen territorial integrity and national security.

Tolentino, who also heads the chamber’s panel on maritime and admiralty zones, said part of the highlights of the consolidated measure would refer to the recognition of the Convention on International Civil Aviation, otherwise known as the Chicago Convention.

“We inserted aside from the Archipelagic Sealanes the corresponding air routes — these are the overflight routes above your sealane. The House contingent and the Senate panel highlighted the importance of air routes including the recognition of international civil aviation organization as part of the vetting authorities under international law upon approval of the measure,” said Tolentino.

According to the senator, once passed into law, the measure will be submitted to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), which will notify other countries of the new legislation.

“The IMO enforces strict compliance mechanisms, and if they (foreign vessels and aircraft, including military warships and aircraft) do not comply, we can deny them access under this measure,” Tolentino explained.

“We thank the members of the House contingent for their attendance and quick resolution of the conflicting provisions,” he added.

Tolentino said the Archipelagic Sea Lanes Bill together with the Maritime Zones Bill are expected to be submitted to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for signing next week.

READ: Archipelagic Sea Lanes bill gets Senate nod in final reading