Senate eyes measures aimed at strengthening PH's WPS legal claim

The Senate leadership on Tuesday vowed to push for measures that would strengthen the Philippines' legal claim and position in the West Philippine Sea, as well as bills that seek to improve the Philippine Armed Forces' ability to be a deterrence.

Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero and Senate Majority Leader Loren  Legarda said these measures included the Maritime Sea Lanes and the Blue Economy bills which provide for a comprehensive framework for sustainable development of marine and coastal resources, and strengthen inter-agency, cross-sectoral, and multi-stakeholder coordination.

The proposed Maritime Zones Bill expressly provides that the Philippines’  claims are based on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Seas which designates 200 nautical miles off the territorial sea as an exclusive economic zone (EEZ). 

In addition, the same measure institutionalizes the Philippine government’s policy that claims of other countries should also be based on the UNCLOS before the  Philippines agrees to any discussion.

Legarda, on the other hand, said that the Blue Economy Act was also crucial as it takes the science of ocean management into account to get more out of the ocean and for a longer time. 

“For one thing, we are made aware of the damage wrought by the dredging and island building, particularly, the habitats ruined and the critically endangered species caught. Although we can assess previous damage, we should focus on rehabilitation and preventing future harm,” Legarda said.

“By using blue bonds, understanding ocean processes, and implementing holistic and sustainable policies, we can reduce tensions in our EEZ through business and partnerships,” Legarda added.

China claims almost the entire South China Sea, including sections claimed by the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei, is a conduit for more than $3 trillion of annual ship-borne commerce.  

The Philippine government sued China before the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague in 2013. The Court ruled in favor of the Philippines in July 2016 when it junked China's nine-dash claim over the South China Sea and upheld the Philippines'  EEZ.

In the same ruling, The Hague court said the Ayungin or Second Thomas Shoal, the Spratly Islands,  Panganiban or Mischief Reef, and Recto or Reed Bank were within the  Philippine EEZ. The Scarborough Shoal, meanwhile, was deemed as a common fishing ground.

Beijing, however, refuses to recognize the court ruling. — DVM, GMA Integrated News