MANILA - The Philippine government has inaugurated a National Maritime Council (NMC), anticipated to enhance decision-making processes and address concerns of the merchant marine sector amidst ongoing tensions with China.
According to Philippine News Agency, Vice Admiral Eduardo Santos (ret.), President of the Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific (MAAP), emphasized the council's role in providing comprehensive advisories to President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., ensuring the nation's maritime industry and security are prioritized amid external challenges.
Santos underscored the importance of the NMC in facilitating informed and timely decisions, thus reinforcing confidence among commercial shipping operators. The establishment of this council is viewed as a strategic move to safeguard Philippine maritime territories and maintain uninterrupted trade routes, despite provocations. The advisory body is also expected to influence legislative actions concerning the demarcation of the nation's maritime zones, building on the efforts of the National Coast Watch Center, which integrates functions of the Philippine Navy and Coast Guard in maritime oversight.