New map to be released pending IRR of Philippine Maritime Zones Act

A new map of the entire exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and the archipelagic waters of the Philippines could be released pending the implementing rules and regulations of the newly signed Philippine Maritime Zones Act.

National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (Namria) administrator Undersecretary Peter Tiangco said the maps have been prepared and they will be modified accordingly.

''We already have the maps prepared, we are just waiting for the implementing rules and regulations in order for us to modify or revise the maps we have prepared accordingly until its final publication,'' Tiangco said at a Palace press briefing.

Tiangco emphasized that the Philippine map has a legal basis.

The National Maritime Council said the new law identifies the archipelagic baselines under the 2009 Philippine Baselines Law as the basis upon which the maritime zones of the country are measured.

It also defines the archipelagic waters, full entitlement of a 12-NM territorial sea, the declaration of a 24-NM contiguous zone from the baselines, and the 200-NM EEZ and continental shelf where the country can exercise sovereign rights and jurisdiction.

The new law codifies the status of the waters inside the baselines as provided under Republic Act No. 9522 as both archipelagic and internal waters.

Earlier in the day, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. signed two landmark laws that aim to define the Philippines’ maritime zones as well as the archipelagic sea laws.

The Philippine Maritime Zones Act and the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act are seen to give more teeth to the country’s legal rights over the resource-rich West Philippine Sea.

''The passage of these two priority bills fully demonstrates our commitment as a responsible member of the international community and our advocacy to uphold rules-based international order,'' Marcos said in his speech.

''In the same breath, these signal our resolve to protect our maritime resources, preserve our rich biodiversity, and ensure that our waters remain a source of life and livelihood for all Filipinos,'' he added. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News