STATEMENT OF THE NTF-WPS ON SENATE APPROVAL OF THE ARCHIPELAGIC SEA LANES (ASL) BILL ON THIRD AND FINAL READING
We express our deep gratitude to the Senate for their approval on third and final reading of Senate Bil No. 2665, also known as the Archipelagic Sea Lanes (ASL) Bill. This important piece of legislation is crucial in enhancing our sovereignty, national security, and territorial integrity. The actions in the Senate is in lockstep with the efforts of the House of Representatives, which likewise passed on Third Reading its version of the ASL Bil (House Bil No. 9034) last December 2023. We look forward to the positive and prompt consideration by the Bicameral Conference Committee of this important piece of legislation.
These positive developments in the ASL Bill comes on the heels of the approval of the updated harmonized version of the Philippine Maritime Zones (MZ) Bill by the Senate and the House during their Bicameral Conference Committee meeting last 17 July 2024. Together with the Philippine Baselines Law, Republic Act No. 9522, the MZ and ASL Bills will set our archipelagic house in order, by aligning domestic legislation with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
The NTF-WPS recognizes the strategic importance of maritime legislation, which will bring attention to the proper scope of the Philippine maritime domain and the need for strategic investments in maritime security, maritime domain awareness, maritime law enforcement, sustainability of marine resources and protection of the marine environment, thereby reinforcing the Philippines’ ability to govern the waters within its sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction.
We commend our legislators for their steadfast commitment to safeguard the interests of the Filipino people, particularly their legacy as a maritime and archipelagic people and nation, and promote our common advocacy for a rules-based international order. The NTF-WPS remains dedicated to its mission of protecting our national interest, especially in the maritime domain, and will continue to support al initiatives that contribute to the security and prosperity of the Philippines.
