Senator Loren Legarda has stressed the need to protect the country's marine resources in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) to ensure that they benefit Filipinos.
Legarda made the statement following the revival of the proposed Blue Economy Act, which seeks to establish a legal and policy framework for the sustainable development and utilization of the country's marine resources, according to a report by RH Raymund Dadpaas.
According to Legarda, the measure would send a clear message to local and foreign investors, as well as coastal communities, that the Philippines has a framework that would allow them to invest and pursue new economic opportunities in the country's marine sector.
She said Congress must create a legal and policy framework that would allow Filipinos to continuously develop marine resources within the country's exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
Legarda emphasized that the Constitution mandates the protection of the country's marine resources within the EEZ and that Filipinos should be the primary beneficiaries of these resources.
Amid China's expanding activities in the WPS, Legarda said the Philippines must demonstrate that it is serious about protecting and exercising its sovereign rights through lawful, peaceful and productive economic activities.
Senator Raffy Tulfo, meanwhile, called for the passage of laws that would ensure transparency, environmental protection, fair revenue sharing and safeguards against the illegal exploitation of marine resources within the country's EEZ.
Tulfo also said it is time for the Philippines to call on China to leave the country's EEZ so that it can be used exclusively by Filipinos, particularly Filipino fishermen.
He noted that several countries have expressed interest in pursuing joint exploration of oil and other marine resources in the Philippines.
Legarda and Tulfo also expressed support for strengthening the modernization of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), which serves as a frontliner in monitoring and protecting the country's marine resources in the WPS.
Three proposed measures concerning the WPS are currently pending in the Senate: the Blue Economy Act, the establishment of a Center for West Philippine Sea Studies, and the declaration of a National West Philippine Sea Day.
