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NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) > RECEIVED 2
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) S pate march 21,200
Second Regular Session ) TIME 11:25am_—*

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House Bill No. 10226
Introduced by REPRESENTATIVES LANI MERCADO-REVILLA,
BRYAN B. REVILLA AND RAMON JOLO REVILLA III

AN ACT ESTABLISHING A LIGHTHOUSE IN THE AYUNGIN SHOAL AND
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The Armed Forces of the Philippines has identified 54 Chinese vessels in four
maritime features and islands within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ),
as of 11 March 2024.1 Among these vessels, seven belonged to the China Coast
Guard (CCG), 18 were attributed to China’s maritime militia, and 29 were fishing
vessels and small boats. Notably, in the Ayungin Shoal, one CCG vessel and six
Chinese fishing vessels were observed.

The persistent presence of Chinese vessels in the West Philippine Sea
underscores the necessity for us to assert our territorial rights. China's persistent
efforts to pressure the Philippines into ceding control of the Ayungin Shoal are
evident. The Department of Foreign Affairs has stressed that the Philippines
maintains its sovereign rights and jurisdiction over its EEZ and continental shelf,
including the vicinity of the Ayungin Shoal, without conceding through any
agreement?

In response to China’s aggressiveness, retired Supreme Court Associate
Justice Antonio Carpio has proposed a proactive measure: “[Wjhat we should do is

‘ Untalan, S. (2024, March 12). 54 chinese vessels spotted in wps — afp. GMA News Online. Retrieved March
19, 2024, from https:/www gmanetwork. com/news/topstories/nation/900267/54-chinese-vessels-spotted-
in-wps-afp/story

2 abarca, C. (2024, March 6). Another diplomatic protest filed vs china over latest incidents in

ayungin
Inquirer Net. Retrieved March 19, 2024, from https://globaination. inquirer. net/227 130/another-diplomatic-
protest-fied-vs-china-over-latestincidents-in-ayungin


to put up a civilian lighthouse on Ayungin Shoal, send resupply ships there, send
construction materials, and if China stops it, then we go to the Tribunal. This is a
civilian activity, it's now covered. We have the exclusive right to put up any structure
that we want within our exclusive economic zone and the lighthouse is good for
navigations. Good for everybody.”

We could not agree more with Justice Carpio. Relying on diplomatic protests
alone may be inadequate. It is imperative that we also enhance our presence in the

Ayungin Shoal, and constructing a lighthouse there is a vital step forward.

With this in mind, we strongly urge the swift passage of this bill, aimed at
establishing a lighthouse in the Ayungin Shoal.

Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!

REP. i MERCADO-REVILLA

2r¢ District of Cavite

JOLO REVILLA Ill
18 Distfict of Cavite

3 Rocamora, J. A. L. (2023, August 10). Build civilian structure on ayungin shoal - ex-s¢ justice. Philippine News
‘Agency. Retrieved March 19, 2024, from hitps:/www.pna.gov ph/articles/1207570.


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE )
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
Second Regular Session )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

House Bill No. 10226

Introduced by REPRESENTATIVES LANI MERCADO-REVILLA,
BRYAN B. REVILLA AND RAMON JOLO REVILLA Ill

AN ACT ESTABLISHING A LIGHTHOUSE IN THE AYUNGIN SHOAL AND
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Purpose of the Lighthouse. - The primary purpose of the
lighthouse is to monitor and safeguard Philippine sovereign rights and resources in
the Ayungin Shoal and adjacent waters. Additionally, it will serve as a navigational
aid for boats and ships passing through the area, thereby mitigating the potential for
maritime accidents.

SEC 2. Definition of Terms. - As used in this Act, the following terms are
defined as follows:

(a) “Ayungin Shoal” refers to a low-tide elevation within the exclusive
economic zone and continental shelf of the Philippines.

(b) “Lighthouse” refers to a tower or structure equipped with a beacon light to
guide and wam boats and ships at sea.

SEC 3. Construction and Maintenance of the Lighthouse. - The
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) shall be responsible for the
planning, design, and construction of the lighthouse in the Ayungin Shoal.

SEC 4. Maintenance of the Lighthouse. - The Philippine Coast Guard
(PCG) shall be responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the lighthouse in the
Ayungin Shoal. This includes but is not limited to regular inspections, repairs, and
ensuring that the beacon light remains operational at all times.


SEC 5. Cooperation with Relevant Offices. - The DPWH and the PCG shall
coordinate closely with relevant government offices, including the National Mapping
and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA), Department of National Defense
(DND), Department of Transportation (DOTr), and Armed Forces of the Philippines
(AFP) to ensure the effective implementation of this Act.

SEC 6. Reporting and Accountability. - The DPWH shall provide regular
updates to the House of Representatives and the Senate of the Philippines on the
progress of the lighthouse construction project. These updates shall include the
submission of a comprehensive report detailing the expenditures, timeline, and
significant accomplishments in the construction process.

Similarly, the PCG shall update Congress annually regarding the maintenance
and upkeep of the lighthouse.

SEC 7. Appropriations. - The amount necessary for the construction of the
lighthouse shall be sourced from the current year’s appropriations of the DPWH
Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary for the continued maintenance of the
lighthouse shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act pertaining to
the PCG.

SEC 8. Separability Clause. - Any portion or provisions of this Act that may
be declared unconstitutional or invalid shall not have the effect of nullifying
other portions and provisions hereof as long as such remaining portions or
provisions can still subsist and be given effect in their entirety.

SEC 9. Repealing Clause. - All laws, executive orders, proclamations, and
administrative regulations, or any parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this
Act are revoked, repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC 10. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days
after its publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of
general circulation.

Approved,