China’s actions in WPS meant to derail Philippine Maritime Zones Act — senator

MANILA, Philippines — China's increased activities in the West Philippine Sea and near the Philippine Rise appear to be signs that they are worried about the near passage of the proposed Philippine Maritime Zones Act, Sen. Francis Tolentino said on Wednesday.

The proposed Philippine Maritime Zones Act, passed by the Senate in February, defines the country's maritime zones in line with the 2016 arbitral ruling that invalidated China's sweeping claims in the WPS and the  United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

It's a measure that analysts and lawmakers believe will allow the Philippines to fully enforce applicable maritime laws and open doors for alliances with other countries under international order — a sore point for China, which has continued to ignore the 2016 ruling in favor of its nine-dash line claim that covers nearly the entire South China Sea.

Over the weekend, Chinese vessels were spotted loitering near the Philippine Rise (formerly Benham Rise), an underwater plateau situated along the northeastern seabord of the country rich in oil, gas and marine resources. 

On Monday, Chinese Coast Guard ships used water cannons against Filipino vessels conducting a resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal, injuring four Filipinos.

In the same day, China issued a statement saying they "firmly oppose" the proposed Maritime Zones Act as it attempts to enforce the "illegal" 2016 arbitral award.

Reiterating China's sovereignty over islands part of the Philippines' EEZ, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning claimed that the measure violates UNCLOS instead of enforcing it.

Tolentino said during a press conference that Chinese officials appear to be concerned over the future ramifications of the passage of the Philippine Maritime Zones Act, which in itself is also a "recognition" of its merits.

"Although they are trying to put a semblance of insignificance, the way they are acting is they are worried as to the future ramifications and consequences, which the international community will bear on them," Tolentino added.

"But if we accept their request not to continue the passage of the law, it's like we are allowing them to veto us. Only Malacañang has veto powers over us, not Beijing," Tolentino said in Filipino.  

The senator, who also sponsored the measure and served as chair of the Senate committee that approved the bill, believes that the House and the Senate should work towards the immediate passage of the Philippine Maritime Zones Act. 

House lawmakers are currently meeting to discuss the measure, while the Senate has prepared a contingency to discuss the measure during a bicameral conference committee meeting. 

The House passed a similar version of the bill in May 2023.

"Currently, the Department of Foreign Affairs, the National Security Council and the Department of Justice are explaining (to the House) if the language used in some parts of the bill is vital or critical," Tolentino said.

"But if we can pass it in the soonest possible time, that would be better, because of what's happening in the West Philippine Sea," Tolentino added.

The senator also pointed out that the Philippine Rise, where two Chinese research vessels were spotted on Saturday, is included in the Senate version of the bill.

The Senate measure states that any research vessel that wants to conduct scientific studies in Benham Rise must secure the permission of the Philippines first, Tolentino said. 

President Marcos Jr. included the proposed Maritime Zones Act as one of his priority legislative measures in September 2023.