Illustration by: Virgilio Biagtan
The recent passage of the Philippine Maritime Zones Act and the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act by President Marcos signals a decisive move to assert the Philippines’ sovereignty over its maritime territories. These laws, aligned with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), clearly delineate the country’s waters, from its internal waters to its exclusive economic zone. For a nation constantly challenged in the South China Sea, the new legislation represents both a statement of ownership and a tool for enforcing maritime security.
China’s claims, backed by the “nine-dash line” that overlaps the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), have long fueled regional tensions. The new legislation, however, provides the Philippines with a clearer legal framework to respond to incursions. In particular, the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act addresses the issue of foreign military vessels frequently transiting Philippine waters without permission. By defining safe passage lanes, Manila can better monitor and regulate these activities, reinforcing its maritime authority and sending a message to its neighbors about respecting national sovereignty.
Despite China’s condemnation of these new laws as “destabilizing,” the Philippines’ approach is neither aggressive nor combative. Instead, it is a measured assertion of rights and a strategic step toward securing its resources and territorial waters. Manila’s stance is also a reminder that defending sovereignty does not always require military might; it can also be achieved through the steadfast application of international law. With these acts, the Philippines has laid the groundwork for a future where its sovereignty is respected, and its waters are safeguarded against unwarranted foreign intrusion.