MANILA – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) welcomes the approval of the Philippine Maritime Zones Bill by the Senate on its third and final reading.

Voting 23-0-0 on Monday, the Senate passed on third and final reading Senate Bill (SB) 2492 or “the proposed Philippine Maritime Zones Act (PMZA) will make the Philippines comply with the United Nation Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) in establishing the maritime zones.”

Senate Bill 2492 also aims to declare the rights and entitlements of the Philippines over its maritime zones, including the underwater features for the “enjoyment and cultivation by Filipinos.”

In a statement, the DFA extended its congratulations to the Senate Special Committee on Philippine Maritime and Admiralty Zones headed by Senator Francis Tolentino.

The DFA extended its congratulations to the Senate Special Committee on Philippine Maritime and Admiralty Zones headed by Senator Francis Tolentino for the passing of SB 2492 on its third and final reading. (Photo courtesy of Senate of the PH FB page)

According to the DFA, the bill “codifies the status and regime of the waters inside the archipelagic baselines, redefines the extent of PH territorial sea, and claims a 24-nautical mile contiguous zone, among others.”

The DFA added that it looks forward to the bill’s enactment so that the Philippines could effectively enforce its relevant domestic laws and related international law to protect its marine and fish resources, preserve and conserve its marine environment and enhance maritime safety and security.