House ratifies final version of Archipelagic Sea Lanes bill

MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives has ratified the final version of a bill that would designate the country’s archipelagic sea lanes, which would create routes over the country’s waters and airspace.

During the session on Monday, the House ratified the bicameral conference committee report on the disagreeing provisions of House Bill No. 9034 and Senate Bill No. 2665, or the proposed Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act via viva voce or voice voting.

Assistant Majority Leader and Oriental Mindoro 1st District Rep. Arnan Panaligan made the motion to ratify the said bicameral conference committee report, which was approved by Deputy Speaker Yasser Alonto Balindong.

The House ratification means that the bill only needs President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s signature, as the bicam report was ratified by the Senate last September 4.

READ: Senate ratifies consolidated version of proposed Archipelagic Sea Lanes law

Under the bill, foreign ships and aircraft will be allowed to pass through the designated sea lanes as quickly as possible for the sole purpose of “continuous, expeditious, and unobstructed transit.”

They would also be directed to refrain from using any threat or force that would go against the “sovereignty, territorial integrity or political independence of the Republic of the Philippines.”

READ: House passes on 2nd reading bill establishing archipelagic sea lanes

Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino said the approval of the bill will help secure the country’s maritime domain and strengthen territorial integrity and national security.

According to Tolentino, part of the highlights of the consolidated measure would refer to the recognition of the Convention on International Civil Aviation, otherwise known as the Chicago Convention.

“We inserted aside from the Archipelagic Sealanes the corresponding air routes — these are the overflight routes above your sealane. The House contingent and the Senate panel highlighted the importance of air routes including the recognition of international civil aviation organization as part of the vetting authorities under international law upon approval of the measure,” said Tolentino.

According to the senator, once passed into law, the measure will be submitted to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), which will notify other countries of the new legislation.

“The IMO enforces strict compliance mechanisms, and if they (foreign vessels and aircraft, including military warships and aircraft) do not comply, we can deny them access under this measure,” Tolentino explained.

“We thank the members of the House contingent for their attendance and quick resolution of the conflicting provisions,” he added.