Villanueva hopes quick enactment of proposed Blue Economy Act

Senator Joel Villanueva on Monday expressed hope for the quick enactment of the proposed Blue Economy Act.

This, as the lawmaker said that the bicameral conference committee is conducting discussions to finalize the final version of the measure.

"While there are ongoing discussions regarding the differing provisions in both versions, we are optimistic that these issues will be resolved so the measure can be signed into law, as it is a priority for the administration," Villanueva said.

He added that the proposed measure will empower the government to ensure the sustainability and protection of the Philippines' vast coastal and marine resources and to harness their potential.

Together with the Archipelagic Sea Lanes Bill, which is now ratified by both houses of Congress, Villanueva said that the measure's goal is "to safeguard what is rightfully ours, including our exclusive economic zones in the West Philippine Sea."

To further protect the country's territories, Villanueva said bills and resolutions in the Senate and the House of Representatives such as the National West Philippine Sea Day, the Philippine Maritime Zones Act, and the Center for West Philippine Studies.

On July 12, 2016, the Hague-based tribunal ruled in favor of the Philippines and declared China's massive and historic claim in the South China Sea illegal and baseless under international law. China does not recognize the ruling. — BM, GMA Integrated News