Law Summary
Waters as Integral Part of Philippine Territory
- All waters within treaty limits are part of Philippine territory.
- Waters around and connecting Philippine islands are considered internal waters regardless of width.
Territorial Sea and Baselines
- Waters beyond outermost islands but within treaty limits comprise the territorial sea.
- Baselines determining the territorial sea are straight lines connecting outermost points of the archipelago.
- These baselines need explicit clarification for public and governmental reference.
Specific Baselines Defined
- Detailed geographic points defined by latitude, longitude, azimuth, and distance.
- Points cover a series of islands, reefs, points, and rocks around the Philippine archipelago.
- The lines effectively establish the outer limits of Philippine internal waters and territorial sea.
Internal Waters Status
- All waters enclosed within the baselines are declared inland or internal waters.
- Affirms full national sovereignty over these waters.
Effectivity of the Act
- The Act becomes effective immediately upon its approval date.
This law provides precise demarcation of the baselines from which the territorial sea is measured, asserts internal waters status over waters inside these baselines, and aligns with constitutional and treaty provisions governing Philippine national territory.