The Philippine Senate has created a special committee to exclusively tackle proposed measures relating to maritime zones and sea lanes. The committee, which will be chaired by Senator Francis Tolentino, will convene for the first time on September 14.
The committee’s first order of business will be to discuss the Maritime Zone bill, which seeks to define the Philippines’ maritime boundaries. The committee will also discuss the Archipelagic Sea Lanes bill, which would establish rules for the passage of ships through the Philippines’ archipelagic waters. Finally, the committee will discuss Senate Bill 654, which would establish a Philippine Navy Archipelagic Defense Act.
The creation of the special committee comes amid heightened tensions between the Philippines and China over the South China Sea. In August, the Senate condemned China’s incursions and its harassment of Filipino civilian and government vessels in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.
The committee is expected to play a key role in protecting the Philippines’ maritime interests in the South China Sea. The committee will be responsible for studying and drafting legislation that would strengthen the Philippines’ maritime law enforcement capabilities and protect its maritime resources.
The committee will also be responsible for coordinating with other government agencies, such as the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of National Defense, on maritime issues.
The creation of the special committee is a positive development for the Philippines. The committee will provide a forum for stakeholders to discuss and debate maritime issues, and it will help to ensure that the Philippines’ maritime interests are protected.
Source: PhilNews24 | September 13, 2023
