Lawmakers optimistic Philippine Maritime Zones bill to be signed soon

Lawmakers are optimistic that the Philippine Maritime Zones bill will be signed into law soon, viewing it as a crucial measure to bolster the country's position against Chinese aggression in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

Cagayan de Oro 2nd District Rep. Rufus Rodriguez urged President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to sign the bill into law, emphasizing its importance amid ongoing Chinese incursions into the Philippines' exclusive economic zone.

Rodriguez stated that the bill's enactment will significantly enhance the assertion and enforcement of the Philippines' maritime and sovereign rights in the WPS and its exclusive economic zone.

He also appealed to China to recognize the bill and to immediately stop encroaching and intruding in the Philippines' EEZ and the WPS.

Beijing claims more than 80% of the South China Sea based on a 1940s nine-dash line map despite an international tribunal court voiding its expansive claim.

The Philippines is looking to enact a law seeking to outline its territorial and sovereign boundaries in an attempt to enforce a 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling favoring Manila's claim over contested waters in South China Sea.

The measure is now pending before the bicameral conference committee to be attended by congressmen and senators.