Tolentino: PMZ Act bolsters our rights to explore natural resources in PH Sea
THE Philippines’ rights to explore and exploit natural resources in the Philippine Sea – including Talampas ng Pilipinas (Philippine Rise or Benham Rise) – has been bolstered with the signing last Friday of Republic Act 12064, or the Philippine Maritime Zones (PMZ) Act, Senator Francis “Tol” Tolentino said.
According to Tolentino, RA 12064 embodies our jurisdiction with regard to the establishment and use of artificial islands, installations and structures on the seabed, marine scientific research, drilling and tunneling, and other rights, as provided for in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
“Today, we stand united in our commitment to protect our maritime rights and assert our sovereignty. The PMZ Act not only fortifies our claim over the Philippine Rise but also ensures that we can responsibly explore and utilize its rich resources for the benefit of our people,” Tolentino said.
“Recent surveys suggest that the Philippine Rise has substantial oil, natural gas, and mineral reserves. This will certainly augur well for our energy security,” he added.
Philippine Rise, some 250 km east of Dinapigue in Isabela, is recognized under international law as part of the Philippines’ extended continental shelf. The Philippines’ claims were solidified through the UNCLOS, with significant contributions dating back to 2001, when the Philippines first lodged its territorial claims.
Last Friday, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. signed into law the landmark Republic Act 12064, a measure principally authored and sponsored by Tolentino.
On the other hand, Tolentino countered China’s repeated criticisms about the newly signed law, noting the PMZ Act fully complies with international laws.
“If other nations can assert their claims, so too can the Philippines. We have every right to delineate our maritime boundaries and protect our national interests,” said Tolentino, who chairs the Senate Special Committee on Philippine Maritime and Admiralty Zones.
“Let us work together to ensure that our maritime rights are respected and that the resources of the Philippine Rise benefit all Filipinos,” he concluded.
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