Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 9522)
The primary purpose of Republic Act No. 9522 is to amend certain provisions of Republic Act No. 3046, to define the archipelagic baseline of the Philippines, and for other related purposes.
Republic Act No. 9522 amends Republic Act No. 3046, as amended by Republic Act No. 5446.
The baselines of the Philippine archipelago are specifically defined by a series of geographic coordinates using World Geodetic System of 1984 (WGS 84) coordinates indicating specific basepoints around the islands.
The Kalayaan Island Group (under Presidential Decree No. 1596) and Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal) are the areas where the baseline is determined under the "Regime of Islands" consistent with Article 121 of UNCLOS.
The Act affirms that the Republic of the Philippines has dominion, sovereignty, and jurisdiction over all portions of the national territory as defined in the Constitution and applicable laws, including the Local Government Code of 1991.
The National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA) is tasked to produce and publish charts and maps of the appropriate scale that clearly represent the delineation of basepoints and baselines as set forth in the Act.
They must be deposited and registered with the Secretary General of the United Nations.
The Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following its publication in the Official Gazette or in any two newspapers of general circulation.
The other provisions not affected shall continue to be in full force and effect.
Yes, the necessary amount to carry out the provisions shall be provided in a supplemental budget or included in the General Appropriations Act of the year of its enactment.