Law Summary
Definition and Description of Territorial Sea Baselines
- The baselines are delineated by connecting specific points using latitude and longitude coordinates.
- The points extend across various islands, rocks, capes, and reefs within the Philippine archipelago.
- Each line segment connecting these points is described with the azimuth (angle) and distance in meters.
- This enlists a detailed chain of 64 lines that collectively define the baseline of the Philippine territorial sea.
Scope of Baseline Delimitation
- The defined baselines apply exclusively to the territorial sea of the Philippines.
- The delineation includes islands and points throughout the entire archipelago, marking the outer limits for measuring the breadth of the territorial sea.
Reservation Concerning Sabah
- Section 2 clarifies that the baseline definition provided does not affect the Republic of the Philippines’ claim over Sabah, North Borneo.
- The delineation of baselines around Sabah for territorial sea purposes remains separate and unaffected by this Act.
- The Philippines asserts its dominion and sovereignty over Sabah, and this Act preserves that claim.
Effectivity of the Act
- The Act takes effect immediately upon approval, as indicated in Section 3.
- It formalizes the amended baseline definitions for legal and administrative purposes.
Important Legal Concepts and Implications
- Baselines determine the starting points for measuring the breadth of the territorial sea, which extends up to 12 nautical miles from these lines.
- Accurate baselines are critical for maritime jurisdiction, resource rights, and national security.
- This amendment ensures clarity and precision in the coordinates, which is essential for international law compliance and enforcement.
- The retention of the Sabah claim highlights the political and legal sensitivity regarding territorial sovereignty in the region.