House creates P100-M trust fund for Phl Rise research

MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives has adopted House Resolution 1636, urging the executive department to allocate funds for additional scientific research and feasibility studies in the Philippine Rise, including marine exploration for mineral deposits and other resources found in the area which may be used as alternative sources of energy.

The resolution cited the need to establish a trust fund with a seed amount of P100 million, which shall be managed by the National Coast Watch Council (NCWC) for additional scientific research, feasibility studies, marine exploration of the region and acquisition of new equipment to improve the government’s research capabilities and further enhance the development strategies of the country.

Under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the Philippines shall exercise sovereign rights over its exclusive economic zone (EEZ), the body of water extending up to 200 nautical miles from the archipelagic baselines, and the continental shelf, seabed and subsoil of the submarine areas that extend beyond its territorial sea throughout the natural prolongation of its land territory to the other edge of the continental margin.

When the continental shelf extends beyond 200 nautical miles, a coastal state is required under Article 76 of the UNCLOS to make the submission to the UN Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS), which will set out the coordinates of the outer limits of the shelf accompanied by technical and scientific data to support the claim.

The CLCS assesses the data submitted and makes recommendations. The outer limits of the continental shelf established by a coastal state based on these recommendations are final and binding.

The resolution stated that scientific surveys and marine explorations showed that the Philippine Rise is rich in marine resources and massive mineral and gas deposits, which can help the country achieve energy sufficiency.

The award of Philippine Rise to the Philippines by the CLCS increased the areas of seabed subject to the country’s sovereign rights and jurisdiction, prompting the amendment of the country’s existing submarine maps which will likewise be used as reference point by potential investors, the resolution further said.

Foreigners warned on EEZ

Meanwhile, President Duterte is ready to resist foreigners who will extract natural resources from the Philippines’ EEZ but will not fight with China over the maritime row in the South China Sea.

While promising to continue talks with China, which claims about 90 percent of the South China Sea, Duterte warned foreigners against “messing up” with him on the Philippines’ EEZ.

“You can claim a whole of an ocean, (just) do not mess up with me with my economic zone here,” the President said in a press conference in Davao City last Friday. 

Duterte was referring to the Philippines’ 200-nautical mile EEZ, where the country has exclusive rights to exploit natural resources. “We cannot fight America, just like China. I’ll just keep quiet. But if you get something there from the economic zone, I will order the Navy to fire,” he added.

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