Law Summary
Regime of Islands and Sovereignty over Specific Areas
- Declares that the baselines in the Kalayaan Island Group and Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal) shall be determined as "Regime of Islands".
- Asserts Philippine sovereignty and jurisdiction over these areas consistent with Article 121 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Affirmation of Sovereignty and Jurisdiction
- Affirms the Republic of the Philippines' dominion, sovereignty, and jurisdiction over the entire national territory.
- Recognition includes definitions in the Constitution and applicable laws, such as Republic Act No. 7160 (Local Government Code of 1991) as amended.
Registration with the United Nations
- Mandates that the geographic coordinates, charts, and maps of the baselines be deposited and registered with the Secretary General of the United Nations.
- Ensures international recognition and compliance with international law.
Role of NAMRIA (National Mapping and Resource Information Authority)
- Requires NAMRIA to produce and publish accurate charts and maps depicting the delineation of basepoints and baselines.
- Emphasizes the importance of clearly scaled and detailed representation.
Funding Provisions
- Provides that necessary funds for implementation shall come from a supplemental budget or included in the General Appropriations Act of the enactment year.
Severability Clause
- Specifies that if any provision of the Act is declared unconstitutional or invalid, other unaffected provisions shall remain in full force and effect.
Amendment and Repeal of Inconsistent Laws
- Modifies or amends Republic Act No. 3046 (as amended), and all other laws, decrees, executive orders, and issuances inconsistent with this Act accordingly.
Effectivity of the Act
- The Act takes effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in two newspapers of general circulation.