(INQUIRER) MANILA, Philippines — “A crucial step in asserting the country’s rights over the resource-rich West Philippine Sea.”
These were the words used by Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada when he was asked to comment on the recent signing into law of the Philippine Maritime Zones Act and the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act.
In a text message to reporters, Estrada admitted to thinking that House Bill No. 7824 — a measure that seeks to create a center for West Philippine Sea studies — would be a good accompaniment to the newly-signed laws.
“I think it is essential to establish a government office that is exclusively devoted to addressing our national interests in the West Philippine Sea.”
“A proposed Center for West Philippine Sea Studies can aid in the formulation of strategies to defend our territorial claims and sovereign rights, firmly grounded in historical data, existing laws, and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea,” he added.
In a separate message to reporters, opposition Sen. Risa Hontiveros said it is only right that the President sign the Philippine Maritime Zones Act and Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act into law
“These new laws help secure what is ours — our waters, our rich marine life — today and for future generations,” she said.
Similar to Estrada, Hontiveros favors the creation of a Center for West Philippine Studies, viewing it as something that could contribute to the wealth of research, knowledge, and information that county presently has.
“The more that we are able to learn about and study the West Philippine Sea, the more that we will be able to know how best to protect and defend it,” said Hontiveros.
Still pending in Congress related to these laws are the Blue Economy Act and the National West Philippine Sea Victory Day.
Meanwhile, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs earlier raised concerns against the signing of the Philippine Maritime Zones Act and the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act, saying that it summoned the Philippine Ambassador to China to “make serious protests.”
In a press conference on Friday, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning said the Philippine Maritime Zones Act “illegally included” Panatag Shoal – which they call Huangyan Dao – and into the country’s maritime zones.
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.
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