Title
Establishing Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone
Law
Presidential Decree No. 1599
Decision Date
Jun 11, 1978
Presidential Decree No. 1599 establishes the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) for the Philippines, granting the country sovereign rights over the exploration, exploitation, and conservation of natural resources within the zone, as well as jurisdiction over the establishment of artificial islands and structures, with violations punishable by fines, imprisonment, and seizure of related assets.
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Rights and Jurisdiction Exercised by the Philippines in the EEZ

  • The Philippines exercises sovereign rights for exploration, exploitation, conservation, and management of natural resources—both living and non-living, renewable and non-renewable—on the sea-bed, subsoil, and superjacent waters.
  • Exclusive rights over economic activities such as energy production from water, currents, and winds.
  • Exclusive jurisdiction over the establishment and use of artificial islands, off-shore terminals, installations, structures, marine environment preservation, pollution control, and scientific research.
  • Affirmation of other rights consistent with international law and state practice.

Prohibited Activities Without Authorization

  • No person may explore or exploit resources, conduct excavations or drilling, carry out research, or construct and operate artificial islands or installations in the EEZ without Philippine government agreement, license, or authority.
  • Filipino citizens or juridical persons may perform such acts if allowed under existing Philippine laws.

Rights of Other States in the EEZ

  • Other States retain freedoms pertaining to navigation, overflight, submarine cables and pipelines installation, and other lawful uses connected to navigation and communication within the EEZ.

Enforcement, Penalties, and Regulatory Authority

  • The President may delegate government offices/agencies to issue rules and regulations necessary to implement the decree.
  • Violations of the decree or related regulations entail fines from P2,000 to P100,000 and/or imprisonment from 6 months to 10 years.
  • Seizure and forfeiture of vessels, equipment, or articles used in violations are permitted.

Effectivity

  • The decree becomes effective thirty (30) days after publication in the Official Gazette.

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