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Senate approves line on artificial islands in maritime zones bill

Article (news)

WILLARD CHENG

ABS-CBN News

<p>A line indicating that all artificial islands built in the Philippine exclusive economic zone will belong to the Philippine government was approved to become part of the Senate bill on the Philippines’ maritime zones being deliberated in the chamber.</p><p>The new paragraph was inserted during Tuesday’s Senate session and was read by the bill’s sponsor Senator Francis Tolentino, particularly during the period of individual amendments for Senate Bill No. 2492 under Committee Report No. 172 or an act declaring the maritime zones under the jurisdiction of the Republic of the Philippines. </p><p>No senator objected and the amendment was approved.</p><p>“On the same page Mr. President, between lines 6 and 7 insert a new paragraph to read as follows: “All artificial islands constructed within the Philippine EEZ shall belong to the Philippine government,” Tolentino said. </p><p>“Mr. President I reiterate the latest amendment which I quote again: “All artificial islands constructed within the Philippine EEZ shall belong to the Philippine government. I so move Mr. President,” Tolentino added.</p><p>Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri responded, “Very good amendment. There being no objection, amendment is approved.”</p><p>The proposed bill seeks to clarify the geographical extent of the Philippine maritime domain and clarify the legal powers that the Philippines may exercise over such maritime domain.</p><div><br/></div><div><br/></div>

<p>The proposed bill seeks to clarify the geographical extent of the Philippine maritime domain.</p>

The proposed bill seeks to clarify the geographical extent of the Philippine maritime domain.