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Philippine Maritime Zones Act

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Philippine Maritime Zones Act
Congress of the Philippines
CitationRepublic Act No. 12064
Territorial extent Philippines
Enacted byHouse of Representatives of the Philippines
Enacted bySenate of the Philippines
Signed byPresident Bongbong Marcos
SignedNovember 7, 2024
Status: In force

The Philippine Maritime Zones Act, officially designated as Republic Act No. 12064, is a bill passed by the 19th Congress of the Philippines and signed by President Bongbong Marcos on November 7, 2024.[1] It defines the Philippines' internal waters, archipelagic waters, territorial sea, contiguous zone, exclusive economic zone, and continental shelf in line with the 1982 Law of the Sea Convention (UNCLOS) and the 2016 Arbitral Tribunal ruling.[2][3]

Overview

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In May 2024, the Senate of the Philippines established the Special Committee on Philippine Maritime and Admiralty Zones, appointing Senator Francis Tolentino as its chair. This followed the unanimous approval of House Bill No. 7819 by the House of Representatives of the Philippines, which defined the maritime zones under Philippine jurisdiction. The bill, primarily authored and sponsored by Senator Francis Tolentino, sought to define and assert the Philippines' rights and entitlements over its maritime zones as per the 2016 arbitral ruling.[4][5]

China's reactions

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On July 1, 2025, China imposed sanctions on former Philippine Senator Francis Tolentino, prohibiting his entry into mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau. The sanctions were linked to his positions on the South China Sea dispute, with Beijing citing his “egregious conduct” and opposition to Chinese interests. The sanctions were announced a day after the conclusion of his term in the Senate, making him the first Filipino political figure to be subjected to such measures by China. In response, Tolentino characterized the sanctions as a “badge of honour” and reiterated his support for Philippine national sovereignty.[6][7] He stated that he has fought—and will continue to fight—for what rightfully belongs to the nation. He expressed his strong support for the Philippine Navy, the Philippine Coast Guard, and the brave fishermen who rely on those waters for their livelihood.[8]

References

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  1. ^ Abbey Gita-Carlos, Ruth. "Marcos inks laws on PH Maritime Zones, Archipelagic Sea Lanes". www.pna.gov.ph. Retrieved 2024-12-12.
  2. ^ "Republic Act No. 12064" (PDF). Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines. November 13, 2024. Retrieved December 12, 2024.
  3. ^ "On the Philippines Maritime Zones Act". US State Department. November 13, 2024. Retrieved December 12, 2024.
  4. ^ Bacelonia, Wilnard. "Senate passes Maritime Zones Act for economic, environmental security". www.pna.gov.ph. Retrieved 2024-12-12.
  5. ^ Maitem, Jeoffrey; Gutierrez, Jason (11 November 2024). "Philippines enacts laws asserting maritime claims". Radio Free Asia. Retrieved 12 December 2024.
  6. ^ "Beijing sanctions South China Sea legal claim architect Francis Tolentino". South China Morning Post. 2025-07-01. Retrieved 2025-07-01.
  7. ^ "China sanctions former Philippine senator on maritime claims". Reuters. 2025-07-01. Retrieved 2025-07-01.
  8. ^ Mangaluz, Jean. "Sanctioned by China, Tolentino says it's a 'badge of honor'". Philstar.com. Retrieved 2025-07-01.
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Further reading

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