Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 9522)
Republic Act No. 9522 aims to amend certain provisions of Republic Act No. 3046, defining the archipelagic baseline of the Philippines, affirming its sovereignty and jurisdiction over its national territory, and providing for other related purposes.
Section 1 defines and describes specifically the baselines of the Philippine archipelago with exact basepoint locations using World Geodetic System of 1984 (WGS 84) coordinates.
Section 2 includes the Kalayaan Island Group as constituted under Presidential Decree No. 1596, and Bajo de Masinloc (also known as Scarborough Shoal) under the 'Regime of Islands' over which the Philippines exercises sovereignty and jurisdiction.
Section 3 affirms that the Republic of the Philippines has dominion, sovereignty, and jurisdiction over all portions of its national territory as defined in the Constitution and applicable laws including the Local Government Code.
Section 4 provides that this Act, together with the geographic coordinates and the chart and maps indicating the defined baselines, shall be deposited and registered with the Secretary General of the United Nations.
The National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA) is tasked to produce and publish charts and maps clearly representing the baseline delineations as set forth in the Act.
Section 7 states that if any portion or provision of the Act is declared unconstitutional or invalid, the other unaffected portions shall remain in full force and effect.
According to Section 8, RA 9522 amends or modifies Republic Act No. 3046 as amended by RA 5446 and all other laws, decrees, executive orders, rules, and issuances inconsistent with this Act.
The Act took effect fifteen (15) days following its publication in the Official Gazette or in any two newspaper of general circulation, as stipulated in Section 9.
Republic Act No. 9522 was approved by then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on March 10, 2009.