Philippine Senate Passes Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act to Bolster Territorial Integrity

MANILA — The Philippine Senate has unanimously passed Senate Bill No. 2665, known as the Archipelagic Sea Lanes (ASL) Act, a critical piece of legislation aimed at fortifying the nation’s territorial integrity and enhancing national security by officially designating archipelagic sea lanes across the country.

According to Philippines News Agency, the approval of the ASL Act represents a significant step in affirming Philippine sovereignty. “The Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act is grounded in the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), particularly Articles 53 and 54, which grant archipelagic states like the Philippines the authority to designate specific sea lanes and air routes suitable for the continuous and expeditious passage of foreign vessels and aircraft,” Tolentino explained during the session.

The legislation comes at a crucial time as tensions continue to escalate in the region, particularly in response to recent aggressive actions by China in the West Philippine Sea. “Just recently, on August 8, two aircraft of the People’s Liberation Army Air Force performed dangerous maneuvers and dropped flares near a Philippine Air Force aircraft conducting a maritime patrol over Bajo de Masinloc,” Tolentino highlighted, underscoring the urgency of the bill.

Senate Bill No. 2665 clearly defines archipelagic sea lanes as designated pathways through the country’s archipelagic waters and the air routes above them, through which foreign vessels may exercise the right of archipelagic sea lanes passage. It also elaborates on the right of innocent passage, ensuring that the transit of foreign vessels through territorial seas does not threaten the peace, order, or security of the Philippines.

Tolentino expressed optimism that, beyond strengthening security, the ASL Act would also bring economic benefits by improving the management of the nation’s archipelagic sea lanes.