Sen. Tolentino tackles special com on PH maritime and admiralty zones
SEN. Francis Tolentino led the tackling of the Special Committee on Philippine Maritime and Admiralty Zones September 14.
Tolentino said the Senate earlier approved Senate Resolution No. 76, creating the Special Committee on Philippine Maritime and Admiralty Zones which will have jurisdiction to study, report out all matters, including all measures relating to archipelagic baselines, maritime zones, archipelagic sea lands and other incidental matters.
The Senate under the present leadership strongly condemns China’s incursions and its harassment of Filipino civilians and government vessels by Chinese coast guard and Chinese militia in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.
Harassment received by Filipino vessels include use of water cannon to block resupply mission to the BRP Sierra Made and its newly issued 10-dash line map which extended the superpower’s claim to cover most of the South China Sea.
Sen. Robinhood Padilla also expressed his strong support for the bills pending before the Senate that would establish the Philippine maritime zones.
During the hearing, Padilla said the country needs to pass a law to designate its maritime areas where the Philippines can exercise sovereignty and jurisdiction.
“There are currently nine bills in the Senate on this topic. If it becomes law, it will provide the necessary flexibility in the adoption of subsequent laws appropriate to the country’s rights, policies, and obligations in maritime zones,” Padilla said in Filipino.
