The bicameral conference panel approved on Wednesday the consolidated version of the proposed Archipelagic Sea Lanes (ASL) Law that will designate sea lanes in the Philippines for foreign vessels and aircraft.

Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino, who led the Senate panel, emphasized that this law would strengthen the country’s maritime domain, territorial integrity, and national security by implementing provisions of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Once enacted, he said, the law would be submitted to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), which will enforce compliance by foreign entities.

“The IMO enforces strict compliance mechanisms, and if they (foreign vessels and aircraft, including military warships and aircraft) do not comply, we can deny them access under this measure,” Tolentino explained.

“We thank the members of the House (of Representatives) contingent for their attendance and quick resolution of the conflicting provisions.”

Pangasinan 3rd District Rep. Maria Rachel Arenas, head of the House panel, highlighted the law’s significance in supporting the 2016 Hague arbitral award favoring the Philippines.

“We will work to ensure that under the 19th Congress, the President will sign the Archipelagic Sea Lanes Law. This legislation is long overdue and one of the most critical measures we have undertaken,” Arenas assured.

The legislation was immediately ratified by the Senate and only needs the ratification of the House before being submitted to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for signing next week. (PNA)