Sea lanes measure passes final reading in Senate

THE Senate passed on third and final reading the proposed Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act.

Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino, author and sponsor of Senate Bill 2665, said the measure would empower the President in establishing archipelagic sea lanes in Philippine waters and set obligations for passing foreign ships and aircraft.

He added that the establishment of archipelagic sea lanes will strengthen the country's maritime domain and prevent the unreasonable entry of foreign ships and planes.

The bill mandates that foreign ships and aircraft can use their «right of innocent passage» without obstacles or threats to the country's peace, order and security.

Three-axis lines will be laid, where the first will connect the Philippine Sea, Balintang Channel and West Philippine Sea; the second axis lines will connect to the Celebes Sea, Sibutu Passage, Sulu Sea, Cuyo East Pass, Mindoro Strait and West Philippine Sea. The third axis lines will connect the Celebes Sea, Basilan Strait, Sulu Sea, Nasubata Channel, Balabac Strait and West Philippine Sea.

The Senate's approval of the proposal came shortly after China's alleged intimidation of a Philippine Air Force aircraft on a routine patrol over a shoal in the disputed South China Sea.