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

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Introduced by Representative Maximo B. Rodriguez, Jr.

House Bill No.'256()

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The West Philippine Sea, crossed by some of the world’s busiest sea-lanes, has
rich fishing grounds and is believed to have vast energy reserves, is home to a myriad of
competing territorial claims including those involving the Spratly Islands and the
Scarborough Shoal.

These islands are being claimed by the Philippines, China, Vietnam, Brunei,
Malaysia and Taiwan as these islands, reefs and coral outcrops are believed to be rich in oil
and gas and these overlapping claims have long been feared as Asia's next source of
tension which could lead to armed conflict.

As early as April, 2012, a Philippine Navy surveillance plane spotted eight Chinese
fishing vessels anchored in a lagoon at Scarborough which prompted the military to deploy
its largest warship, the BRP Gregorio del Pilar, which was recently acquired from the United
States; and upon boarding the Chinese fishing vessels for an inspection, Filipino sailors
discovered large amounts of illegally collected coral, giant clams and live sharks inside the
first boat which only shows that the Chinese fishermen had been engaged in illegal fishing
and harvesting of endangered marine species.

This incident brought about the current stand-off between the Philippines and China
in the Scarborough Shoal which is causing increased tension between the two countries
involved.

The Philippines relation with China is starting to plunge with both sides pressing their
conflicting claims not only to the Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal but also the Spratly Islands
group. And aside from China, we should also be cautious and be prepared to defend our
territory against the claims of other countries over the islands and areas in the West
Philippine Sea.

It is therefore imperative that a government office be created dedicated exclusively
to the West Philippine Sea. It will focus on studying our claims and propose measures on
how to defend and prosecute such claims. It will also propose measures on how we can
develop the area and all the natural resources there for the benefit of our country.

In view of the foregoing, immediate passage of this bill is eamestly sought.

My

MAXIMO B. RODRIGUEZ, JR.


‘SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS )
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )

Second Regular Session )
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Introduced by Representative Maximo B. Rodriguez, Jr.
House Bill No. '2060
AN ACT

CREATING THE CENTER FOR WEST PHILIPPINE SEA STUDIES ATTACHED TO THE
DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND
FOR OTHER PURPOSES

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

SECTION 1. Declaration of Policy — It is the policy of the State to preserve its sovereignty
over the islands that it owns in the West Philippine Sea and its territorial sea, contiguous
zones, exclusive economic zone and continental shelf in accordance with the United Nations
Convention on the Law of the Sea.

‘SEC 2. Creation ~ There is hereby created a Center for West Philippine Sea Studies
attached to the Department of Foreign Affairs under the Office of Special and Ocean
Concems.

SEC 3. Duties and Responsibilities — The Center on the West Philippine Sea shall have the
following duties and responsibilities:

a) Study the basis of the claims of the Philippines over the waters and the
islands in the West Philippine Sea under the United Nations Convention
on the Law of the Sea, intemational law, local laws and historical data;

b) Propose actions and measures in order to defend and prosecute our claims
against claims of other neighboring countries;

©) Prepare concrete plans on how to develop and fully utilize all the natural
resources in the area; and

4) Perform such other duties and responsibilities that would strengthen our
sovereignty and other claims over the area,

) Perform other functions as may be directed by the President of the
Philippines in relation to concems over the West Philippine Sea

SEC 4. Organizational Structure — The Center for West Philippine Sea Studies herein
created shall be headed by an Assistant Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs. He
shall exercise supervision and control of said Center.

The Center on the West Philippine Sea shall prescribe and define its position
structure and staffing pattem subject to existing civil service laws, rules and
regulations. The positions subsequently created herein shall be filled by the regular
appointments. Provided, that appointments must comply with the qualifications standards
set by Civil Service Commission.

SEC 5. Appropriations - The amount of Fifty Million Pesos (P50,000,000) not otherwise
appropriated shall be initially appropriated out of the funds of the National Treasury for
the purpose of funding the creation of the Center on the West Philippine Sea. Subsequent
appropriations shall be provided by Congress in the Annual Budget of the Department of
Foreign Affairs under the General Appropriations Act.


SEC 6. Separability Clause — If any provision of this Act or the application thereof is declared
unconstitutional or invalid for any reason, the same shall not affect the validity of the other
provisions.

SEC 7. Repealing Clause — All laws, presidential decrees and issuances, executive orders,
ules and regulations or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby
repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC 8. Effectivity Clause — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following its full
Publication in the Official Gazette or newspaper of general circulation in the Philippines,
whichever is earlier.

Approved,