Amending RA 3046 to Define Philippine Baselines

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Republic Act No. 9522: Amending RA 3046 to Define Philippine Baselines

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Title Source: Supreme Court: Amending RA 3046 to Define Philippine Baselines

Law: Republic Act No. 9522

Decision Date: Mar 10, 2009

Republic Act No. 9522 amends previous laws to define the archipelagic baselines of the Philippines, affirming its sovereignty over specific maritime areas, including the Kalayaan Island Group and Bajo de Masinloc, while mandating the production of official maps and charts for these baselines.

Law Summary

Coverage of Additional Areas under Archipelagic Baselines

The law explicitly includes the Kalayaan Island Group and Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal) as islands under the Philippine regime in accordance with Article 121 of UNCLOS.
These areas are recognized as part of the Philippines' sovereignty and jurisdiction under the legal concept of "Regime of Islands."

Affirmation of Philippine Sovereignty and Jurisdiction

The Act affirms the Republic of the Philippines' dominion, sovereignty, and jurisdiction over all national territories as defined by the Constitution and applicable laws.
References Republic Act No. 7160 (Local Government Code of 1991) highlighting comprehensive legal coverage.

International Registration and Publication of Baselines

Requires the geographic coordinates and charts/maps indicating baselines to be deposited and registered with the United Nations Secretary General.
Ensures international recognition and compliance with global maritime law standards.

Role of National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA)

NAMRIA is mandated to produce and publish official charts and maps of appropriate scale clearly delineating basepoints and baselines.
This facilitates clarity, enforcement, and public dissemination of the archipelagic baseline data.

Appropriation of Funds

Provides for allocation of necessary funds via supplemental budget or inclusion in the General Appropriations Act of the enactment year.

Severability Clause

In case any provision is declared unconstitutional or invalid, remaining clauses continue in full force and effect, preserving the law's integrity.

Amendment of Previous Laws and Related Provisions

Republic Act No. 3046, Republic Act No. 5446, and all other inconsistent laws, decrees, executive orders and rules are amended or modified to align with this law.

Effectivity

The Act takes effect 15 days after publication either in the Official Gazette or in two newspapers of general circulation.
Formal legislative approval and executive endorsement details are provided, including date and signatories.

END