Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE 0F REPRESENTATIVES
NINETEHNTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session
H6UsEB|LLNo.8971
Introduced by Hon. Representatives Florida ``Rida" P. Robes of the
Lone District of the City of Sam Jose del Monte, Bulacan
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The  Philippines  is  an  archipelagic  and  maritime  State.  These  are  enshrined  in  our
Constitution  since time  immemorial.  The  Geographic  nature  of the  Philippines  as  well  as  its
numerous activities in relation to the sea, are integral to the identity if the country and critical in
securing its maritime interest. We are rich with marine resources both living and non-living such
as fish, invertebrates, and marine mammals, including marine habitats, oil, gas, and minerals. Over
time, our maritime interests expanded and became more complex].   Our sea has more than 1,400
species of fish and crustaceans,  and more than 900  species  of seaweeds,  including unique  sea
animals and untapped marine resources.   The Philippine waters has been declared as one of the
richest fauna and flora in the world and even the second highest and largest mangroves area and
seagrass in terms of bio-diversity2. We even have the finest and nicest beaches in the world.
However, our current national and local laws, policies and programs have not fully taken
account of our country's archipelagic and maritime nature and it qualities to fully maximize its
capacity and potentials, especially, the manner to address its concerns. There is a need for anple
consideration  for  the  protection  of national  territorial  integrity,  maritime  resources,  maritime
industry and the marine environment including maritime safety and security.
In view of the foregoing,  there  is  a compelling need to have fortified National Marine
Policy to protect, conserve, preserve, and enhanced our maritime assets, economy and territorial
resources.
FLO#OBES
1 Palma,  Mary Ann.  (21 July 2009) the Philippines as and Archipelagic and  Maritime Nation:  Interest, Challenges
and Perspectives.
2  The  Coastal  Resource  Management  Project,  Our  Seas,  Our  Life:  A  guide  to  Understanding  Ocean  Life  and  Its
Importance to Us,  h.tip://oneocean.org/_d_qvy_r}]9_ad Accessed 22 August 2023. Page S-1-2a


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSH 0F REPRESENTATIVES
NINETEENTH CONGRHSS
Second Regular Session
ii'OUSEBILLNo.8971
Introduced by Hon. Representatives Florida ``Rida" P. Robes of the
Lone District of the City of Sam Jose del Monte, Bulacan
AN ACT
ESTABLISHING A FRAMHWORK FOR BLUE ECONOMY, PROMOTING
STEWARDSHIP AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF COASTAL AND MARINE
ECOSYSTEMS AND RESOURCES
Be if enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:
CHAPTER I
GENERAL PROVISIONS
1.   Secfl.ore I. Sfoorf TJ.fJc -This Act shall be known as the  "B/%e Eco#om)/ zlc/. "
2.   Scc/I.o# 2. Dcc/¢r¢fJ.o" a/Po/J.c}7. -It shall be the policy of the State to:
a.   Adopt blue economy as a framework for sustainable and safe use and development of
marine wealth within our maritime  zones,  as  a pillar of our national  economy  and
patrimony;
b.   Exercise stewardship  of our seas and coasts, and protect and conserve the health and
resilience of marine and coastal ecosystems and habitats to promote the well-being,
prosperity and security of present and future generations;
c.    Preserve our maritime heritage, recognize the social, cultural, and historical value of
our seas and coasts, and foster public understanding and respect of the value of our seas
and coasts to build a strong foundation for social responsibility;
d.   Enrich scientific understanding of marine and coastal ecosystems, the benefits we gain
from the ecosystems, their changing conditions and the causes thereof and use the best
available scientific knowledge to inform decisions affecting our seas and coasts and to
enhance our capacity to respond and adapt to changing maritime environments;


e.    Foster international cooperation, and exercise rights andjurisdiction in accordance with
applicable intemational laws, including on freedom of navigation;
f.    Ensure a whole-of-nation approach and a comprehensive, integrated framework for the
stewardship  of  our  seas  and  coasts  to  facilitate  cohesive  action  of  the  National
Goverrment, local authorities, academe, non-governmental organizations, the private
sector, and the public.
Section. 3. Def inition Of Terms. -A;s used intrirs Alck.
a.   .4gz/czcz//f"re  refers  to  the  farming  of  aquatic  organisms  including  fish,  mollusk,
crustaceans and aquatic plants. Farming implies some sort of intervention in the rearing
process  to  enhance  production,  such  as  regular  stocking,  feeding,  protection  from
predators,  etc.  Farming also  implies  individual or corporate ownership of the stock
being  cultivated,  the  plaming,  development  and  operation  of aquaculture  systems,
sites, facilities and practices and the production and transport;
b.   .4g#czsz./vz.c"//z% refers to a multi-purpose production system that allows production of
fish in a mangrove reforestation project;
c.   B/we   eco#ony  refers   to   a  practical   ocean-based   economic   model   using   green
infrastructure  and  technologies,   innovative  financing  mechanisms   and  proactive
institutional  arrangements  for meeting the twin goals  of protecting our oceans  and
coasts and enhancing its potential contribution to sustainable development, including
improving  human  well-being,   and  reducing  environmental   risks   and   ecological
scarcities;
d.    Com77?ercz.cz/fiJfez.J?g refers to the harvesting of fish, either in whole or in part, for sale,
barter, or trade;
e.    Ecosys/em s`ervz.cos refer to the flow of benefits which humans gain from ecosystems
through biological processes  and  climate,  hydrological  and biochemical  cycles  and
experiences that contribute to intangible culture;
f.     E7?vz.7'o/7"e#/cz/-eco7?omz.c crccow#fz.jog refers to a systematic way to measure and report
on stocks and flows of natural assets and resources - both biotic , renewable and non-
renewable - and ecosystem services to determine the contribution of the environment
to the economy and the impact of the economy on the environment;
9.    E#v!.ro#me#fc}J-eco#o"!.c  c7cco%#/s  refer  to   statistical  information,   in  physical  or
monetary terms, about extraction of natural resources, their uses within the economy,


natural resource stock levels, the changes in those stocks during a specific period, and
such other economic activities related to the environment;
t\.   Integrated marine and coastal area management refers to a. partictpa:tory process tor
decision-making to prevent, control, or mitigate adverse impacts from human activities
in the marine and coastal environment, and to contribute to the restoration of degraded
coastal areas;
i.    J7zveszwe#/  promofz.o7?  c¥ge#cz.es  refer  to  the  government  entities  created  by  law
executive order, decree other issuances, in charge of promoting investments, granting,
and administering tax and non-tax incentives,  and overseeing the operations  of the
different economic  zones  and freeports  in accordance with their respective  special
laws. These include the Board of Investments (801), Regional Board of Investments-
Autonomous  Region  in Muslim  Mindanao.,  Philippines  Economic Zone  Authority
(PEZA).   Bases   Conversion   and   Development   Authority   (BCDA),   Subic   Bay
Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), Clark Development Corporation (CDC), John Hay
Management  Corporation  (JHMC),  Poro  Point  Management  Corporation  (PPMC),
Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA), Zamboanga City Special Economic Zone
Authority   (ZCSEZA),   PHIVIDEC   Industrial   Authority   (PIA),   Aurora   Pacific
Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO), Authority of the Freeport Area of
Bataan (AFAB), Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), and
all other similar existing authorities of that may be created by law;
j.    A4czrz.cc///wre refers to the farming of organisms, both plants and animals, in an aquatic
mediuni or environment which may be completely marine (sea), or sea water mixed to
various  degrees  with  fresh water.  This  deflnition would include  bothe  the  sea and
inland brackishwater areas ;
k.   A4c}rz.#e  Scz.e;q/z¢c  resecrj'cfe  refers  to  any  research  activity,  which  is  conducted  for
exclusively  peaceful  purposes,  for  the  purpose  of increasing  scientific  knowledge
about  marine  environment,  including  all  natural  resources,  toward  the  benefit  of
mankind and according to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea;
1.     A4czrz./z."e c7o"czz.# czwczre72ess refers to the effective understanding of any activity that
could impact upon the security, safety, economy or environment;
in.  A4cz7'ztz.me spcz/z.cz/ p/cz7?7#.7?g refers to a process by which human activities in maritime
zones are analyzed and organized, based on best available scientific knowledge, and
to achieve economic, marine tourism, marine construction;


n.    Ocecz7?-bczsed czcfz.1;z./z.es refer to activities that are undertaken in the ocean, eg. fisheries
and aquaculture,  offshore oil and gas, mining, ocean energy,  desalination,  shipping
and marine transportation, marine tourism, marine construction;
o.    Ocecz77-7`e/czfec7  czcfz.w.rz.es  refer  to  activities  that  use  products  from  the  ocean  (eg.,
seafood processing, marine biotechnology, chemicals, salt, etc.) and produce products
and services for the ocean and ocean-based activities  (eg.,  ship building and repair,
ports tourists resorts, communication, maritime insurance and law, maritime technical
services, etc.);
p.   S#bsz.a/e7?ce     ¢s'¢z.77g      refers      to      fishing      for      personal      consumption      or
traditional/ceremonial puapo ses ;
q.    Ocecz77  /z.ferc7c)/ refers  to  an  understanding  of the  ocean's  influence  on  human  and
human influence on the ocean.
Secf!.o"  4.  Scope  a/ 4xp/J.c¢/I.o"  -For  purposes  of this  Act,  the  Philippines  shall  exercise
sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction, in accordance with international law, as appropriate,
in  accordance  with  international  law,  as  appropriate,  in  internal  waters,  archipelagic  waters,
territorial sea, contiguous zone, exclusive economic zone and continent shelf, herein collectively
referred to as "Maritime Zones", including its seabed and subsoil, and any and all maritime features
within Maritime Zones now known or to be known in the future, without prejudice to the power,
authority and right granted exclusively to the Bangsamoro Government under Republic Act No.
11054,  also  known as  the "Organic  Law for the  Bangsamoro  Autonomous Region in Muslim
Mindanao," to explore, develop, and utilize natural resources within territorial jurisdiction.
CHAPTER 11
NATIONAL MARITIME COUNCIL
Sccf!.o#  5.  IV¢f!.oH¢/  A4l¢rz.fl.rmc  CowJ®cz./.  -  The  National  Coast  Watch  Council,  created  under
Executive  Order No.  57,  Series  of 2011,  is  hereby  renamed  and  reconstituted  as  the National
Maritime Council, herein referred to as the "Council," and its functions expanded to include the
formulation of an integrated strategy to promote blue economy and ecosystem-based management
of coastal and marine resources.
Secfi.o# 6. Cormposi.fz.o".-The Council is composed of the following:
a.    Executive secretary -as chairperson;
b.    Secretary of socio-Economic planning;
c.    Secretary of Environmental and Natural Resources;
d.    Secretary of National Defense;
e.    Secretary ofForeign Affairs;


f.     Secretary of Justice;
9.    Secretary of the Interior and Local Government;
h.    Secretary of Agriculture;
i.     Secretary of Tourism;
j.     Secretary of Transportation;
k.    Secretary of Trade and Industry;
I.     Secretary of Energy;
in.  Secretary of Science and Technology;
n.    Secretary ofFinance;
Department  Secretaries  may  designate  an  Undersecretary,  whose  portfolio  covers  matters
directly  or  principally  relating  to  the  development  or  management  of coastal  and  marine
resources and ecosystems, if applicable. They shall sit in a permanent capacity, and their acts
shall be considered the acts of their principals.
Secfz.o#  7.  Secrcf¢rj.¢f.  -  The  Coastal  Watch  Council  Secretariat,  created  under  Section  4  of
Executive Order No. 57, Series of 2011, is hereby renamed as the National Maritime Office and
shall continue to provide technical and administrative support to the Council.
Scc/z.o# 6. Sapporf ,4ge#cl.es -Section 6 of the Executive Order No. 57, series of 2011 is hereby
amended to include the following agencies to provide material or technical support to the Council,
as may be deemed necessary:
a.    Bangko sentral ng pilipinas;
b.   Board of lnvestments;
c.    Securities and Exchange commission;
d.   Philippine statistics Authority;
e.   National Mapping and Resources Information Authority;
f.    Environment Management Bureau;
9.   Biodiversity Management Bureau-Coastal and Marine Division;
h.   Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards;
i.    Maritime Industry Authority
j.    Philippine ports Authority;
k.   Philippine Reclamation Authority;
1.    Philippine  Council  for  Agriculture,  Aquatic,  and  Natural  Resources  Research  and
Development;
in.  Philippine   Atmospheric,   Geophysical   and   Astronomical   Services   Administration
(PAGASA);
n.   Department of Foreighn Affairs-Maritime and Ocean Affairs Office;
o.   National Museum-Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage Division;
p.   University of the Philippines-Marine Science Institute; and
q.   Investment of the Philippines-Marine Science Institute;


CHAPTER Ill
POLICY FRAMEWORK 0N BLUE ECONOMY
Sccfi.o#. 9. Po/;.c); Fr¢mct"r4 oH B/we EcoJ!om); - The Council shall within six (6) months from
the effectivity of this Act, formulate a Policy Franework on Blue Economy, herein referred to as
the Policy Framework. The Policy Framework shall serve as the basis for marine spatial training,
determination  of  investments  to  enhance  maritime  domain  awareness,  and  enforcement  of
economic and environmental regulations within our maritime zones. The Policy Framework shall
be subject to mandatory review and modification every five (5) years.
Section. 10. Conaponents Of the Policy Framework on Blue Economy -The Pohoy Frarn!owork
shall include the following components:
a.    Review of all existing policies, plans,  programs,  projects, rules  and regulation on
ocean-based and ocean-related activities;
b.   Adherence to international maritime law;
c.    Analysis  of  current  and  emerging  trends   and   changes   in  demography,  trade,
technology  and  climate  that  show the  interaction  between  the  economy  and the
environment, and present threats and pressures on coastal and marine environments;
d.   Environmental-economic accounting of coastal and marine assets and resources, and
ecosystem services from coastal and marine environments;
e.    Priority Strategic and sustainable ocean-based and ocean-related economic activities,
which may include:
1.       Fisheries, including commercial fishing, but with preference to subsistence
fisheries, as mandated by Section 7, Art. XIII, of the Constitution;
2.       Aquaculture, mariculture and aquasilviculture;
3.        Marine and coastal tourism;
4.       Reclamation;
5.        Shipping, logistics and maritime transport;
6.        Ship-building and ship repair;
7.       Exploration, exploitation and extraction of oil and natural gas;
8.       Production of renewable energy from marine sources;
9.        Submarine mining o extraction of minerals and aggregates;
10.     Installation of submarine cables and pipelines;
11.     Marine biotechnology and bioprospecting;
12.     Desalination; and
13.     Underwater cultural heritage and maritime archaeology.
f.    Guiding framework for integrated marine and coastal area management;
9.   Guiding framework for blue finance;
h.   Priority research and development agenda;
i.    Promotion  of ocean  literacy  and  social  responsibility  towards  the  protection  of
coastal and marine environments;
j.    Enhancement  of capability of the  Armed  Forces  of the  Philippines  and civilian
agencies to enforce laws, rules, and regulations to protect our marine wealth;


k.   Goals, targets  and  indicators for growth, resilience and  sustainability of priority
strategic  and  sustainable  ocean-based  and  ocean-related  activities,  including  its
contribution to Gross Domestic Product and Job Creation;
CHAPTER IV
ADHERENCE TO INTERNATIONAL MARITIME INSTRUMENTS
Secfz.o# Jj. J#fer"¢fz.o#¢/ A4l¢rz./J."c J#s/rwmc#/s. - The State shall adhere to the provisions of
the  1982  United  Nations  Convention  on  the  Law  of the  Sea  and  relevant  international
conventions  relating  to  maritime  activities.  Towards  this  end,  the  Council  shall  establish
mechanisms  for  the  full  and  effective  implementation  and  enforcement  of the  following
intemational maritime instruments and their subsequent amendments :
a.     Convention on the International Trade of Endangered species of Flora and Fauna;
b.    UNESCO convention on the protection of the underwater cultural Heritage;
c.     Intemational Convention for the  Safety of Life at Sea,  1974 as amended and its
Protocol of 1988 (SOLAS 74);
d.    International convention for the prevention ofpollution from ships and its protocol
of 1978 (MAPROL 73/78);
e.     Convention on the International Regulations for preventing collisions at sea,1972
as amended (COLREG 72);
f.     International convention on Load Lines,1966 and its protocol of 1988, as amended
(LL 66)
9.     International    Convention    on    the    Tonnage    Measurement    of   Ships,    1969
(TONNAGE 69);
h.    Convention for the Suppression of unlawful Acts Against the Safety of Maritime
Navigation,1988 (SUA) and its Protocol;
i.      International   Convention   on   Oil   Pollution   Preparedness,   Response   and   Co-
operation 1990 (OPRC  1990)
j.     International convention for the control and Management of ship's Ballast water
and Sediments, 2004 (BWM 2004);
k.    Convention on the Prevention of Maritime Pollution by dumping of Wastes and
Other Matter,1972, as amended, and its 1996 Protocol (LCP);
I.      Special Trade passenger ships Agreement,1971  (STP 71);
in.   Convention on the International Mobile Satellite Organization, as amended (IMSO
1976) and its Operating Agreement (INMARSAT);
n.    International convention on standards of Training, Certification and watchkeeping
for seafarers 1978, as alnended (STCW 78);
o.    International  Convention  on  the  Control  of Harmful  Anti-Fouling  Systems  on
Ships, 2001  (AFS 2001);
p.     Protocol of 1992 to Amend the International Convention on Civil Liability for Oil
Pollution Damage,  1969 and
q.    Protocol of 1992 to amend the International convention on the Establishment of an
International Fund for Compensation for Oil Pollution Damage,1971.
Secf;.o# J2. ,4pp/i.c¢f].om. - Unless otherwise indicated, the international conventions enumerated
in the preceding section shall apply to:


a.
All ships whether seagoing or coastwise which are registered under the Philippine
flag;
b.         All persons, partnerships, corporations, firm, and other entities duly registered or
C.
licensed in the Philippines to engage in ocean-based or ocean related enterprise, or
those acting on their behalf;
All foreign ships that are within the waters, ports, harbors, and offshore terminals
of the Philippines regardless of whether or not they are registered in, or belong to,
State Parties to the conventions sought to be implemented by this Act.
CHAPTERV
HNVIRONMENTAL-ECONOMIC ACCOUNTING
Secfl.o# J3. Ei®w.ro""c#ffl!/-Eco#omJ.c 4ccowHfJ."g. -The Council shall undertake environmental-
economic accounting of maritime ecosystem and resources, based on the United Nations System
of Environmental-Economic Accounting. Members of the Council and heads of support agencies
shall contribute date on environmental-economic accounts relating to their mandates.
Eec/I.o# J4. Fr¢"ewor*. - The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) shall develop a framework
for   the   collection,    compilation,   processing,    analysis,   publication   and   dissemination   of
environmental-economic accounts and its integration in the national accounts: Provided, that PSA
shall  integrate  the  collection of environmental-economic  accounts  into  the  Community-Based
Monitoring  System for Local Government Units  (LGUs);  Provided further, that the  PSA shall
coordinate with and provide technical assistance to members of the Council,  support agencies,
investment  promotion  agencies  and  LGUs  to  ensure  compliance  to  standard  environmental-
economic  accounting  techniques,  methodologies,  concepts,  definitions  and  classifications  to
prevent duplication in collection of statistical information.
CHAPTER VI
INTEGRATED MARINH AND COASTAL ARE MANAGEMENT
Section  15.  Integrated  Marine  and  Coastal Area  Management  (IMCAM).  -The  .Trrfegla:fyf3d
Marine  and  Coastal  Area  Management  (IMCAM)  shall  be  the  framework  to  address  human
impacts on marine and coastal biological diversity, and for promoting conservation and sustainable
use of this biodiversity.
Section  16.  Elements Of the National IMCAM Framework. -The Coune;+i shehi devehop arid
implement the National IMCAM Framework within one (1) year from the effectivity of this Act
to provide direction,  support, and guidance to relevant member and support agencies,  Gus and
other  stakeholders,  according  to  the  Elaborated  Programme  of Work  on  Marine  and  Coastal
Biological Diversity contained in the Annex to Decision VII/5 of the Conference of the Parties to
the United Nations Environmental Programme Convention on Biological Diversity.
Accordingly, the National IMCAM Framework shall consider the following elements:
a.    Building capacity of stakeholders, in both national and local levels, to apply relevant
policy instruments to address legal issues, institutionalize participatory processes, and


develop  strategies  to  promote  multidisciplinary  and  multisectoral  ecosystem-based
management of coastal and marine environments;
b.   Direct action to protect coastal and marine environments from negative impacts, such
as:
c.   Establishment of mechanisms and guidelines for research, monitoring and assessment
of coastal  and  marine  ecosystems  and  resources,  including  indicators  to  measure
natural and human-induced impacts.
CHAPTER VII
PROTECTION AND CONSERVATION OF COASTAL AND MARINE RESOURCES
Sec/I.o# I 7. Pro/ecfi.o# a/E#d¢#gered fpccJ.cs. -The Council shall spearhead the conservation,
protection, rehabilitation of rare, threatened and endangered aquatic species as it may determine,
including their habitats.  It  shall  recommend to  the President  and  Congress the  designation of
coastal and marine  areas  as protected areas under the Expanded National  Integrated Protected
Areas  System  or under the  Fisheries  Code,  as  anended,  and  in  compliance  with the  relevant
provisions of international treaties and agreements such as, the Convention on the International
Trade in Endagered Species of wild Flora and Fauna, the United Nations Conventions on the Law
of the Sea, and Convention on Biological Diversity.
Sec/i.o#  J8.  Po/j.ey  Cooed;.H¢/I.oH.  -  The  Council  shall  harmonize  rules  and  regulations  of all
relevant agencies responsible  for the  implementation and  enforcement  of laws to  prevent and
eliminate  illegal  fishing  such  as  Republic  Act  (RA)  No.  8550,  also  known  as  the  "Philippine
Fisheries Code of 1998," as amended by RA 10654.
CHAPTER VIII
DEVHLOPMENT PLANNING
Sec/z.o# J9. 44l¢ri./j.me fp¢/z.a/ P/¢##i.#g.  - The Council shall undertake  a nationwide maritime
spatial planning to identify the spatial and temporal distribution of priority activities and uses and
the  interactions  thereof in  maritime  zones,  in  order  to  reduce  conflict  among  uses,  facilitate
complementary uses, mitigate environmental impacts, and preserve ecosystem services.
Secfi.o# 20. JHdwstry Devc/api„c#f P/¢#s. - The Council, through working groups created for the
purpose,  shall prepare five-year and ten-year development plans  for each priority strategic and
sustainable ocean-based or ocean-related industry, in accordance with the Policy Fralnework.
Secti,on 21. Integration with Area and National Development Plans. -I:he Natro"21l Econornie
and Development Authority shall integrate the maritime spatial plan and industry development
plans into the Philippine Development Plan, the National Priority Plan, the National Franework
Plan, and Area Spatial Development Framework.
Section 22. Inclusion in Strategic Investment Priority Plan. -The Counci:i sirflll reccj:mrnend to
the Board of Investments the  inclusion of identified priority  strategic  ocean-based and ocean-
related activities in the Strategic Investment Priority Plan.
Scc/i.o#  23.  B/we  Eco"oi"i.c  Zo"cs.  -  Investment  promotion  agencies   shall  encourage  the
establishment of blue economic zones and the transformation of existing special economic zones


(SEZs)  into  the  same,  where  locator  entexprises  engaged  in  ocean-based  and  ocean-related
activities shall enjoy the privileges, benefits, advantages or exemptions granted to economic zones
and freeports in accordance with their respective special laws.
In addition, the incentives provided for under the following laws may be granted to blue SEZs:
a.    RA 9003, or the "Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000";
b.   RA 9275, or the " Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004";
c.    RA 9513, or the "Renewable Energy Act of 2008"; and
d.   RA 10771, or the "Philippine Green Jobs Act of 2016"
Blue  SEZs  may  also  qualify  for  financing  provided  for  under  RA  11293,  or  the  Philippine
Imovation Act."
CHAPTER IX
BLUE FINANCE
Section 24. Role Of the Bangko  Sentral ng Pilipinas  (BSP). -TrL the e;Hercise o£ .Tis reg)I;idhory
powers over financial  institutions, the BSP  shall mandate banks  and quasi-banks to  adopy the
United Nations  Environment  Programme  Sustainable  Blue  Economy  Finance  Principles  as  a
foundation of corporate governance and risk management.
Section 25. Role Of Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).-Th!e SBC srfu2IIl enf :oNIa;ge the
issuance of blue bonds where proceeds will be exclusively applied to finance or refinance, in part
or in full,  strategic and sustainable  ocean-based or ocean-related activities,  in accordance with
ASEAN Green Bonds Standards and Green Bonds Principles, as developend and may be revised
from time to time by the ASEAN Capital Markets Foruni and the International Capital Market
Association, respectively.
Secfg'o# 26. Ro/e a/ GotJer""e#f FJ.H¢J®cJ.a/ J#sft.fwfi.oHs. - The Land Bank of the Philippines and
Development Bank of the Philippines shall allocate five-percent (5%) of its regular loan portfolio
for credit to strategic and sustainable ocean-based or ocean-related enterprises.
CHAPTER X
MARINE SCIENCE AND OCEAN LITERACY
Secfl.o# 2 7. A4l¢ri."e ScJ.e#/I/ic Rescfl!rcfe. - The State recognizes marine science as a foundation of
maritime governance, insofar as rules governing the use of coastal and marine resources must be
based  on  the  sound  scientific  understanding  of the  marine  environment.  In  accordance  with
UNCLOS,  the  Philippines  has  the  exclusive rights to  regulate,  authorize,  and  conduct marine
scientific  research  in  our  internal  waters  archipelagic  waters  and  territorial  sea;  whereas,  the
Philippines  has  rights  to  regulate,  authorize  and  conduct  maritime  research  un  our  exclusive
economic zone and continental shelf: Provided, That the marine scientific research activities shall
not unjustifiably interfere with other legitimate uses of the sea and shall not constitute the legal
basis for any claim to any part of the marine environment or its resources.


Marine scientific research by foreign states and competent international organizations may only
be conducted with the express consent of and the conditions set forth by the Council, in accordance
with the INCLOS.
Section 28. Ocean Literacy Framework.  -The Department of Education, Commission on Higher
Education, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority and other government agencies
implementing  sector-specific  literacy programs,  in consultation with relevant Members  of the
Council or support agencies, shall integrate into the curricula of K-12, the Altemative Learning
Systems, general  education prograns of higher education institutions, technical and vocational
education and training, and other community-based training programs, the essential principles and
fundamental concepts of ocean sciences to develop the following competencies:
a.    Understanding the importance of the ocean to humankind;
b.   Communicating about the ocean in a meaningful way; and
c.    Making informed and responsible decisions regarding the ocean and its resources.
CHAPTER XI
FREEDOM 0F NAVIGATION
Sec/I.o# 2P. 4rchzz7c/¢gr.c Sc¢ £¢#cs. - The Council shall designate sea lanes and air routes there
above,  sustainable  for  the  continuous  and  expeditious  passage  of foreign  ships  and  aircrafts
through or over the archipelagic waters and the  adjacent territorial sea and  shall,  necessary as
regards to safety of navigation, require foreign ships exercising the right of innocent passage to
use such lanes and traffic separation schemes in accordance with the UNCLOS.
CHAPTER XII
ROLE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS
Eec/I.o" jo.  Ro/cs a/ £oc¢/ Got;er#"e#/s  U#i.ts.  -Cities  and  municipalities  shall  continue to
exercise jurisdiction  over  municipal  waters,  pursuant  to  RA7160,  also  known  as  the  "Local
Government Code of 1991," as amended, and RA 8550, as amended. Consistent with this mandate,
local  government  units  shall  act  as  the  frontline  agencies  in  the  formulation,  planning  and
implementation of IMCAM in their respective jurisdictions.  LGUs  shall  integrate the National
Maritime Spatial Plan in their Comprehensive Development and Annual Investment Plans.
Sec/I.o# 3J. J"/t?r-LGZ/ Coaper¢fJ.o#. -Consistent with the provisions of RA 7160, as amended
LGUs may group themselves, consolidate or coordinate their efforts, services, and resources for
the accomplishment of the obj ectives of this Act.
CHAPTER XIII
FINAL PROVISIONS
Secfl.o#   32.   Co"grcss!.o#a!/  OiJersz.gfef  -  For  the   effective   implementation  of  this   Act,   a
Congressional  Oversight  Committee  is  created  to  be  known  as  the  Blue  Economy  Oversight
Committee. The Blue Economy Oversight Committee shall be composed of five (5) Senators and
five (5) Representatives to be appointed by the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of
Representatives, respectively. The Minority shall be entitled to pro rata representation. The Blue
Economy  Oversight  Committee   shall  be  jointly  chaired  by  the  Chairperson  of  the   Senate


Committee  in  Economic  Affairs  and the  Chaixpersons  of the  House  Committee  on Economic
Affairs.
Slccf!.o# 33. 4pprapr!.¢/z.oj®s. -The amount of One Hundred Million Pesos (Php  100,000.00)  as
initial funding for the Council to be charged against the unexpended Contingency Fund of the
Office of the President is hereby appropriate.  Thereafter, the amount needed for the  continued
implementation of this Act shall be included in the Armual General Appropriations Act.
Section 34. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The CourLCLl shall issue the ±"ple"endrLg
rules and regulations within sixty (60) days from the approval of this Act, Provided however, that
the failure to issue rules and regulations shall not in any manner affect the executory nature of the
provisions of this Act.
SccfJ.oJ®   j5.   Sep¢r¢bJ./I.fy   CJ¢wsc.   -  If  any   portion   of  provision   of  thus   Act   is   declared
unconstitutional, the remainder of this Act or any provision not affected thereby shall remain in
force and effect.
Secfi.o#  36.  iRepc¢/i.#g  C/¢wse.  - All  other  laws,  acts,  presidential  decrees,  executive  orders,
issuances, presidential proclamations, rules, and regulations or parts thereof, which are contrary to
and  inconsistent  with  any  provision  of this  Act,  are  hereby  repealed,  amended  or  modified
accordingly,
Sectl.o# 3 7. Ej7recfi.vj.fy. - This Act shall take effect immediately upon its publication in the Official
Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,