Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE 0F REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila
NINETEENTII CONGRESS
Second Regular Session
rfu*useBiiiNo.       9116
INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVES RALPH l^rENDEL P. TULFO,
|0CELYN P. TULFO, ERWIN T. TULFO, EDVIC G. YAP, AND ERIC G0 YAP
AN ACT ESTABLISHING A FRAMEWORK FOR BLUE ECONOMY AND
PROMOTING STENARDSHIP AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT 0F
COASTAL AND MARINE ECOSYSTEMS AND RESOURCES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Article XII, Section 2 of the 1987 Constitution provides that the State shall
protect  the  nation's  marine  wealth  in  its  archipelagic  waters,  territorial  sea,  and
exclusive economic zone, and reserve its use and enjoyment exclusively to Filipino
citizens.
Likewise, the Supreme Court in the case of Rcsi.de7t£ M¢mm#Zs o/ £Jie Protecfcd
Sc#scape  T¢fro7I  Sfr#i.I  zJ.   Secref#ny  Reyes,  e£  ¢Z.   (2015)  reiterated  the  principle  that
``humans are stewards of nature'', a doctrine that was first enunciated in the landmark
case of Opos# zJ.  F¢cfortz7t  (1993),  insofar as  it refers  to minors and  generations  yet
unbo:in. In Opos¢, the Court stated that every generation has a responsibility to the
next to preserve that rhythm and harmony for the full enjoyment of a balanced and
healthful ecology,  echoing the constitutional mandate  enshrined  under  Article 11,
Section 16.
By adopting a whole-of-nation approach and a comprehensive framework for
the stewardship of our seas and coasts, this proposed measure seeks to develop,
manage,  protect,  and  preserve  our marine ecosystems  and  coastal resources in a
sustainable, inclusive, and resilient manner for the benefit of our present and future
generations.
Salient  provisions  of  this  bill  include  the  creation  of a  National  Maritime
Council-whichwillformulatethePolicyFramework`onBlueEconomy,anintegrated
strategy to promote blue economy and ecosystem-based management of coastal and
marine resources,  and lead the conservation, protection,  and rehabilitation of the
nation's  aquatic  species  and  habitats.  This  proposed  measure  also  calls  for  the
adoption of an environmental-economic accounting of marine ecosystems and


resources and the development of various frameworks catering to the conservation
and sustainable use of marine and coastal biodiversity.
Representative
Lone District of Benguet
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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE 0F REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila
NINETEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session
House Bill No.
9116
INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVES RALPH WENDEL P. TULFO,
]OCELYN P. TULFO, ERVIN T. TULFO, EDVIC G. YAP, AND ERIC G0 YAP
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AN ACT ESTABLlsHING A FRAMEi^roRK FOR BLUE EcoNOMy AND
PROMOTING STEWARDSHIP AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT 0F
COASTAL AND MARINE ECOSYSTEMS AND RESOURCES
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House Of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled:
CHAPI`ER I
GENERAL PROVISIONS
SECTION 1. SJlorf T!.fzc. -This Act shall be known as the ``Blue Economy Act''.
SEC. 2. Dccharfl[ft.o# a/Pozt.ey. -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 coastaLl 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;
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(d)Enrichscientificunderstandingofmarineandcoastalecosystems,thebenefitswe
gainfromtheseecosystems(c.g.,carbonsequestration),theirchangingconditiors
and 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   and  jurisdiction   in
accordance  with  applicable   international   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    Government,     local     authorities,     academe,     non-governmental
organizations, the private sector, and the public.
SEC.3.Scapco/Ap}7JI.cofi.offl-ForpurposesofthisAct,thePhilippinesshallexercise
18      sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction, in accordance with international law, as
19      appropriate, in internal waters, archipelagic waters, territorial sea, contiguous zone,
20      exclusive  economic  zone,  and  continental  shelf,  herein  collectively  referred  to  as
21      ``Maritime zones'', including its seabed and subsoil, and any and all maritime features
22     within the Maritine zones now known or to be known in the future, without prejudice
23     to the power, authority, and right granted exclusively to the Bangsamoro Goverrment
24      under  Republic  Act  No.  11054,  otherwise  known  as  the  ``Organic  I.aw  for  the
25      Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao",  to explore,  develop, and
26      utilize natural resources within its territorial jurisdiction.
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28           SEC. 4. Ddylt.#!.tr.o# a/Ter7us. -For the purposes of this Act, the following terms shall
29      beapplicable:
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(a)    Aqc"c"Zfure refers to the farming of aquatic organisms including fish, molluscs,
crustaceans and aquatic plants. Farming implies some sort of intervention in the
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rearing  process  to  enhance  production,  such  as  regular  stocking,  feeding,
protection from predators, etc. Farming also implies individual or corporate
ownership  of  the  stork  being  cultivated,  the  plarming,  development,  and
operation  of  aquaculture  systems,  sites,  facilities  and  practices,  and  the
production or transport;
a)   A7#isi.ZzJ..cozfure  refers  to  a  multi-purpose  production  system  that  allows
production of fish in a mangrove reforestation project;
(c)    BZ#c ccoro7ny refers  to a practical ocean-based economic model  using green
infrastructure   and   technologies,   innovative   financing   meehanisms,   and
proactive institutional arrangements for meeting the twin goals of protecting
our oceans and coasts and enhancing its potential contribution to sustainable
development,    including   inproving   human   well-being   and   reducing
environmental risks and ecological scarcities;
(d)   Cb"nerciezfisJii.7tg refers to the harvesting of fish, either in whole or in part, for
sale, barter, or trade;
(e)    £cosysfem  seroz.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)     £riz#.7ior#7tc7i£#Jngco7zo"z.c accowrzfrog refers to a systematic way of measuring and
reporting storks and flows of natural assets and resources-both biotic and
abiotic, 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;
(g)    £r!z7I.ro7#rce7tfHZ€coco7Hz.c flccow7[ts refer to  statistical  information,  in physical  or
monetary terms, about the extraction of natural resources, their use within the
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economy, natural resource stock levels, the changes in those stocks during a
specific period, and such other economic activities related to the environment;
qu)    Integrated marine and coastal area management refers to a partidpaLtory 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)     J7tt7esfroc7if  prio#zofrori  nge7icz.es  refer  to  government  entities  created  by  law,
executive order, decree or other issuance, 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
(RBOI-ARMM),    Philippine    Economic    Zone    Authority    (PEZA),    Bases
Conversion  and  Development  Authority  (BCDA),  Subic  Bay  Metropolitan
Authority   (SBMA),   dark   Development   Corporation   (CDC),   John   Hay
Management  Corporation  OHMC),  Poro  Point  Management  Corporation
a?PMC), Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA), Zamboanga City Special
Economic    Zone    Authority    (ZCSEZA),    Phividec    Industrial    Authority
¢HIVIDEC-IA),  Aurora  Pacifice  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 or that may be created by law;
0)     Mdr!.c#Jhare refers to the farming of organisms, both plants and animals, in an
aquatic medium or environment which may be completely marine, or sea water
mixed to various degrees with fresh water. This definition would include both
sea and inland brackish water areas;
qc)   M¢7i.ne sa.c7t#¢c rescorch refers to any research activity, which is conducted for
exclusively   peaceful   purposes,   for   the   purpose   of   increasing   scientific
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knowledge  about the marine environment,  including all natural resources,
toward  the benefit of mankind  and  according to  the  1982  United  Nations
Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLcrs);
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5           a)     M¢rz.fr.me der"#t." #w#re7!css refers to the effective understanding of any activity
6                  that could impact upon the security, safety, economy, or environment;
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8            (in)  M¢ri.fe.7'7'ie  spefroz  pha7t"t.7tg  refers  to  a  process  by  which  human  activities  in
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Maritime Zones are analyzed and organized, based on best available scientific
knowledge, and to achieve economic, ecological, and scx=ial otyectives;
Oce¢7t-hased ¢ctr.I".ffes refer to activities that are undertaken in the ocean (e.g.,
fisheries  and   aquaculture,   offshore   oil  and   gas,  mining,   cx:ean  energy,
desalination, shipping and marine transportation, marine tourism, and marine
construction);
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17            (o)    Oce¢%-rez¢fed ¢ctr.z„.£ies refer to activities that use products from the ocean (e.g.,
18                   seafood processing, marine biotechnology, chemicals, salt, etc.) and produce
19                   products  and  services  for  the  ocean  and  ocean-based  activities  (e.g.,  ship
20                  building and repair, ports, tourist resorts, communication, maritime insurance
21                   and law, maritime technical services, etc.);
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23           (p)   Ocea" Zi.ferfley refers to an understanding of the ocean's influence on humans and
24                  human influence on the ocean; and
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26            (a)    SwZJSI.sfeHce    ¢sJz.'ng    refers     to    fishing    for     personal    consumption     or
2 7                   traditional/ ceremonial purposes.
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CHARTER 11
NATIONAL MARITIME COUNCIL
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32          SEC. 5. N¢ffoii¢J M¢rl'f±."e co##c..I. -The National coast watch council, created
33      under Executive order No. 57, series of 2011 (EO No. 57, s. 2011), is hereby renamed
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1      and reconstituted as the National Maritime council, herein referred to as the "Council",
2     and its functions expanded to include the formulation of an integrated strategy to
3      promote  blue  economy  and  ecosystem-based  management  of  coastal  and  marine
4      resources.
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SEC. 6. Coorpos..tr.o#. - The Council is composed of the following:
(a)    Executive secretary, as chairperson;
QJ)   Secretary of sorio-Economic plarming;
(c)    Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources;
(d)   Secretary of National Defense;
(e)    Secretary of Foreign Affairs;
0    Secretary of Justice;
(g)   Secretary of the Interior and Local Government;
(h)   Secretary of Agriculture;
(i)     Secretary of Tourism;
¢)     Secretary of Transportation;
®   Secretary of Trade and Industry;
a)    Secretary of Energy;
(in)  Secretary of Science and Technology; and
(n)   Secretary of Finance.
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23        Department Secretaries may designate an Undersecretary, whose portfolio covers
24      matters directly or principally relating to the development or management of coastal
25      and marine resources and ecosystems, if applicable.  They shall sit in a permanent
26      capacity, and their acts shall be considered the acts of their principals.
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28          SEC. 7. Scereto".¢f. -The coastal watch council secretariat, created under section
29      4 of EO No. 57, s. Of 2011, is hereby renamed as the National Maritime office and shall
30     continue to provide technical and administrative support to the council.
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1           SEC. 8. Sappor£Agr#c..es. -Section 6 of EO No. 57, s. of 2011, is hereby amended to
2      include the following agencies to provide material or technical support to the council,
3      as may be deemed necessary:
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(a)    Bangko sentral ng pflipinas (BSP);
@)    801;
(c)    Securities and Exchange commission (SEC);
(d)   Philippine statistics Authority;
(e)    National Mapping and Resources Information Authority;
(f)    Environmental Management Bureau;
(g)   Biodiversity Management Bureau -Coastal and Marine Division;
(h)   Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries standards;
(i)     Philippine Fisheries Development Authority;
0)     Philippine council for Agriculture and Fisheries;
qc)    Maritime Industry Authority;
a)    Philippine ports Authority;
(in)  Philippine Reclamation Authority;
(n)   Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research
and Development;
(o)   Philippine      Atmospheric,      Geophysical      and      Astronomical     Services
Administration a'AGASA);
(p)   Department of Foreign Affairs - Maritime and Ocean Affairs Office;
(q)   National Museum -Maritime and underwater cultural Heritage Division;
(r)    University of the philippines -Marine science Institute; and
(s)    Investment promotion agencies.
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27           In order to ensure the efficient and effective discharge of its responsibilities, the
28      Council may create working groups and call upon other departments, bureaus, offices,
29      and instrumentaLlities of the Government, and academic research institutions engaged
30      in marine science and ocean-based or ocean-related activities to participate in working
31      groups, as itmay deemnecessary.
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CHAPTER Ill
POLICY FRAMEWORK ON BLUE ECONOMY
SEC. 9. PoJi.ey Fra"ect7ork o# Bhac fco#offlgr. - The Council shall, within six (6)
6      months  from  the  effectivity  of  this  Act,  formulate  a  Policy  Framework  on  Blue
7      Economy, herein referred to as the ``Policy Framework''. The policy Framework shall
8      serve as the basis for marine spatial planning, determination of investments to enhance
9     maritime  domain  awareness,  and  enforcement  of  economic  and  environmental
10      regulations within our Maritime Zones.  The Policy Framework shall be sutyect to
11      mandatory review and modification every five (5) years.
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T3          SEC. TO. Componeuts  of the potiey Framework on Blue Economy. -The pohay
14      Framework shall include the following components:
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(a)    Review of existing policies, plans, programs, projects, niles, and regulations on
ocean-based and ocean-related activities;
a))   Adherence to international maritine laws;
(c)    Analysis  of  current  and  emerging  trends  and  changes  in  demography,
consumption, trade, technology, and clinate that show the interaction between
the economy and the environment, and present threats and pressures on coastal
and marine environments;
(d)   Environmentaleconomic   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:
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(1)   Fisheries, including commercial fishing, but with preference to subsistence
fishing, as mandated by Section 7, Article XIII of the Constitution;
(2)   Aquaculture, mariculture, and aquisilviculture;
(3)   Marine and coastal tourism;
(4)   Reclarmtion;
(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 or extraction of minerals and aggregates,.
(10) Installation of submarine cables and pipelines;
(11) Marine bioteehnology and bioprospecting;
(12) Desalination; and
(13) Underwater and cultural heritage and maritime archaeology.
(f)    Guiding framework for integrated marine and coastal area management;
(g)   Guiding framework for blue finance;
th)   Priority research and development agenda;
(i)    Homotion of ocean literacy and social responsibility towards the protection of
coastal and marine environments;
a)     Enhancement of capability of the Armed Forces of the philippines and civilian
agencies to enforce laws, rules, and regulations to protect our marine wealth;
and
qc)   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.
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CHAPTER IV
ADIIERENCE TO INTERNATIONAL MARITIME INSTRUMENTS
SEC.  11.  J»ter7z¢tr.o»¢J  M¢rz.£!.mc  Jusfroz77ce7zfs.  -  The  State  shall  adhere  to  the
provisions of the UNCLcrs and relevant international conventions relating to maritine
activities. Towards this end, the Council shall establish mechanisms for the full and
effective implementation and enforcement of the fonowing international  maritime
instruments and their subsequent amendments:
(a)    Convention on the International Trade of Endangered Species of Flora and
Fauna (CITES);
a)   United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage;
(c)    International convention for the safety of Life at sea,1974, as amended, and its
Protocol of 1988 (SOLAS 74);
(d)   International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships and its
Protcx=ol 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);
(g)   International  Convention  on  the  Tonnage   Measurement  of  Ships,   1969
ITONNAGE 69);
th)   Convention  for  the  Suppression  of  Unlawful  Acts  Against  the  Safety  of
Maritime Navigation, 1988 (SUA) and its Protocol;
(i)     International   Convention   on  Cm   Pollution  Preparedness,   Response   and
Cooperation 1990 (OPRC 1990);
¢)     International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships' Ballast
Water and Sedinents, 2004 (BWM 2004);
qc)   Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of Wastes and
Other Matter, 1972, as amended, and its 1996 Protocol (LCP);
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1           a)     Special Trade passenger ships Agreement,1971 (STP 71);
2          (in)  Convention on the International Mobile satellite organization, as amended
3                   (IMS01976) and its operating Agreement (INMARSAT);
4          (n)   International   Convention   on   Standards   of   Training,   Certification   and
5                   Watchkeeping for seafarers,1978, as amended (STCW 78);
6          (o)   International convention on the control of Harmful Anti-Fouling systems on
7                     Ships, 2001 (AFS 2001);
8          (p)   Protocol of 1992 to Amend the International convention on civil Liability for
9                   Oil pollution Damage,1969; and
10          (q)   Protocol of 1992 to Amend the International convention on the Establishment
11                   of an International Fund for compensation for oil pollution Damage,1971.
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13           SEC.12. AppZ{.catfo#. -Unless otherwise indicated, the international conventions
14      enumerated in the preceding section shall apply to:
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16          (a)    All  ships,  whether  seagoing  or  coastwise,  which  are  registered  under  the
17                    Philippine flag;
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19          @)   All persons, partnerships, corporations, firms, and other entities duly registered
20                   or  licensed  in  the  Philippines  to  engage  in  cx=ean-based  or  ocean-related
21                   enterprise, or those acting on their behalf; and
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23          (c)    All  foreign  ships  that  are  within  the  waters,  ports,  harbors,  and  offshore
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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.
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CHAPTER V
ENVIRONMENTAL-ECONOMIC ACCOUNTING
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4           SEC.  13.  £#t7i.ro#fflc#toz-£co#offlt.c  Acco#Hf±.#g.  -  The  Council  shall  undertake
5      environmentalcconomic accounting of maritime ecosystems and resources, based on
6      the united Nations system of Environmental-Economic Accounting. Members of the
7      Council  and  heads  of  support  agencies  shall  contribute  data  on  environmental-
8      economic accounts relating to their mandates.
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10          SEC.14. frfl"czt7orfu -The philippine statistics Authority qsA) shall develop a
11      framework  for  the  collection,  compilation,  prcx=essing,  analysis,  publication,  and
12      dissemination of environmentalueconomic accounts and its integration in the national
13      accounts: Proz".did, That PSA shall integrate the collection of environmental-economic
14      accounts into the Community-Based Monitoring System for local government units
15      (LGUs): Prov!.did, rtyrifer,  That the FSA shall coordinate with and provide technical
16      assistance to Members of the council, support agencies, investment promotion agencies
17      and  LGUs  to  ensure  compliance  to  standard  environmental-economic  accounting
18      techniques,   methodologies,   concepts,   definitions,   and   classifications   to   prevent
19      duplication in collection of statistical information.
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CHAPTER VI
INTEGRATED MARINE AND COASTAL AREA MANAGEMENT
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24          SEC.  15.  Iritegrated  Marine  and  Coastal  Area  Management  (IMCAM).  -  The
25      Integrated Marine and coastal Area Management (IMCAM) shall be the framework to
26     address human inpacts on marine and coastal biological diversity, and for promoting
27      conservation and sustainable use of this biodiversity.
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29           SEC.16. £Jei7Iei¢ts a/ the N¢fl.oi.¢Z IMCAM Frofflect7ork. -The council shall develop
30     and  implement  the  National  IMCAM  Framework  within  one  (1)  year  from  the
31      effectivity of this Act to provide direction, support, and guidance to relevant member
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1      and  support agencies,  LGUs,  and  other  stakeholders,  according to  the Elaborated
2     Programme of work on Marine and coastal Biological Diversity contained in the Annex
3      to Decision VII/5 of the conference of the parties to the united Nations Environmental
4      Programme convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
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6          Accordingly,  the  National  IMCAM  Framework  shall  consider  the  following
7      elements:
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9           (a) Building capacity of stakeholders, in both national and local levels, to apply
10                relevant policy instruments to address legal issues, institutionalize participatory
11                 prcx=esses,  and  develop  strategies  to  promote  multi-disciplinary  and  multi-
12                sectoral eeusystem-based management of coastal and marine environments;
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14          a) Direct action to protect coastal and marine environments from negative impacts,
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such as:
(1)   Identification,  protection,  prevention  of  alteration  and  destruction,  and
restoration of coastal and marine habitats, particularly areas ilnportant for
reproduction, irifer ¢Zi.¢, coral reef systems;
(2)   Prevention, reduction, or control of marine ponution;
(3)   PTotection of coastal and marine environments from land-based sources,
including proper coastal land use and watershed management;
(4)   Establishment of closed fishing areas; and
(5)    Reduce by{atch; and
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25          (c) Establishment  of  mechanisms  and  guidelines  for  research,  monitoring,  and
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assessment of coastal and marine ecosystems and resources, including indicators
to measure natural and human-induced impacts.
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1
CHARERVII
2                PROTECTION AND CONSERVATION OF COASTAL AND MARINE
3                                                                      RESOURCES
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5           SEC.  17.  Profecfi.o#  a/ £#dr#gened  Spec{.cs.  -  The  Council  shall  spearhead  the
6     conservation, protection, and rehabilitation of rare, threatened, and endangered aquatic
7      species  as  it  may  determine,  including  their  habitats.  It  shall  recommend  to  the
8     President and congress the designation of coastal and marine areas as protected areas
9     under the Expanded National Integrated protected Areas system or under Republic Act
10      (RA)  No.  8550,  otherwise  known  as  the  ``Philippine  Fisheries  Code  of  1998'',  as
11      amended  by  RA  No.  10654,  and  in  compliance  with  the  relevant  provisions  of
12      international treaties and agreements such as, the CITES, the uNCLas, and the CBD.
13
14           SEC.18. PoZ!.q/ Coordc.#¢fj.o#. -The council shall harmonize rules and regulations
15      of all relevant agencies responsible for the implementation and enforcement of laws to
16      prevent and eliminate illegal fishing such as the Fisheries code, as amended.
17
CHAPTER VIII
DEVELOPMENT PLANNING
20
21           SEC.19. M¢rl.I..mc sp¢tr.¢J Pzfl##..#g. -The council shall undertake a nationwide
22      maritime spatial plarming to identify the spatial and temporal distribution of priority
23      activities and uses and the interactions thereof in Maritime zones, in order to reduce
24      conflict among uses, facilitate complementaLry uses, mitigate environmental impacts,
25      and preserve ecosystem services.
26
27           SEC.  20. Jndus*r?/ DctjcJapffle#f PZ¢us.  -The Council,  through working groups
28      created for the purpose, shall prepare five-year and ten-year development plans for
29      each  priority  strategic  and  sustainable  ocean-based  or  ocean-related  industry,  in
30      accordance with the policy Framework.
31
16


1          SEC. Z1. Integration with Area and National Development plans. -The NIa[f uond
2      Economic and Development Authority shall integrate the maritime spatial plan and
3     industry  development  plans  into  the  Philippine  Development  Plan,  the  National
4     Priority plan, the National physical Framework plan, and Area spatial Development
5      Framework.
6
7          SEC.  22.  Inclusion  in  Strategic  Investment  Priority  Plan.  -The Co\i]ndl  s;hal:i
8      recommend to the 801 the inclusion of identified priority strategic ocean-based and
9      ocean-based activities in the strategic Investment priority plan.
10
11           SEC. 23. Bhae fco#oor!'c Zo#cs. -Investment promotion agencies shall encourage the
12      establishment  of  blue  economic  zones  and  the  transformation  of  existing  special
13      economic zones (SEZs) into the same, where lacator enterprises engaged in ocean-based
14      or ocean-related activities shall enjoy the privileges, benefits, advantages, or exemptions
15      granted to economic zones and freeports in accordance with their respective special
16      laws.
17
18          In addition, the incentives provided for under the following laws may be granted to
19      bluesEZs:
20
21           (a)    RA No. 9003, otherwise known as the ``Ecological solid waste Management Act
22
23
24
25
26
27
of 2000„;
@)    RA No. 9275, otherwise known as the '`Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004";
(c)    RA No. 9513, otherwise known as the ``Renewable Energy Act of 2008''; and
(d)   RA No. 10771, otherwise known as the '`Philippine Green Jobs Act of 2016''.
Blue  SEZs  may  also  qualify  for  financing  provided  for  under  RA  No.  11293,
28      otherwise known as the ``Philippine Innovation Act''.
29
30
17


CHARER IX
BLUE FINANCE
3
4          SEC. 24. Role of the Bangko sentral ng pilipinas. -In the exercise of Its regulatory
5      powers over financial institutions, the BSP shall mandate banks and quasi-banks to
6     adopt the united Nations Environment ptogramme sustainable Blue Economy Finance
7      Principles as a foundation of corporate governance and risk management.
8
9          SEC. 25. Role of securities and Exchange commission. -The SEC shaft encourage
10      the issuance of blue bonds where proceeds will be exclusively applied to finance or
11      refinance, in part or in full, strategic and sustainable cx:ean-based or ocean-related
12      activities,  in  accordance  with  ASEAN  Green  Bonds  Standards  and  Green  Bonds
13      Principles, as developed and may be revised from time to tine by the ASEAN capital
14      Markets Forum and the International capital Market Association, respectively.
15
16          SEC.  Z6.  Role  Of  Government  Financial  Institutions.  -  The  Lar\d Bar\k  of  the
17      Philippines and the Development Bank of the Philippines shall allocate five percent
18      (5%) of its regular loan portfolio for credit to strategic and sustainable ocean-based or
19      ocean-related enterprises.
20
CHAFTERX
MARINE sclENCE AND OCEAN LrrERAcy
24           SEC. 27. M¢r!.icc sct.c#fj/I.c Rescarich.  -The state recognizes marine science as a
25      foundation of maritime governance, insofar as rules governing the use of coastal and
26     marine resources must be based on the sound scientific understanding of the marine
27      environment. In accordance with uNCLcrs, the philippines has the exclusive rights to
28      regulate,  authorize,  and  conduct marine  scientific  research in our internal  waters,
29     archipelagic waters, and teritorial sea; whereas, the philippines has rights to regulate,
30     authorize,  and  conduct  maritime  research  in  our  exclusive  economic  zone  and
31      continental  shelf:  Prov!.did,  That  the  marine  scientific  research  activities  shall  not
18


1      unjustifiably interfere with other legitimate uses of the sea and shall not constitute the
2      legal basis for any claim to any part of the marine environment or its resources.
3
4          Marine   scientific   research   by   foreign   states   and   competent   international
5      organizations may only be conducted with the express consent of and according to the
6     conditions set forth by the council, in accordance with the uNCLcrs.
7
8           SEC. 28. Oce¢# I,I.fertzey Frafflezt7ork. -The Department of Education, Commission
9      on Higher Education, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, and
10      other   government   agencies   implementing   sector-specific   literacy   programs,   in
11      consultation with relevant Members of the council or support agencies, shall integrate
12      into the cuITicula of K-12, the Alternative Leaming system, general education programs
13      of higher education institutions, technical and vocational education and trainings, and
14      other community-based training programs, the essential principles and fundamental
15      concepts of ocean sciences to develop the following competencies:
16
(a)    Understanding the importance of the ocean to humankind;
a])   Communicating about the ocean in a meaningful way; and
(c)    Making  informed  and  responsible  decisions  regarding  the  ocean  and  its
resources.
CHARER XI
FREEDOM 0F NAVIGATION
24
25           SEC. 29. ArcJ!..pchagr.c Sco L¢#cs. -The Council shall designate sea lanes and air
26      routes there above, suitable for the continuous and expeditious passage of foreign ships
27      and aircrafts through or over the archipelagic waters and the adjacent territorial sea,
28      and shall, where necessary as regards to the safety of navigation, require foreign ships
29      exercising the right of inncx=ent passage to use such lanes and traffic separation schemes
30      in accordance with the uNCLcrs.
31
19


CHAPTER XII
ROLE 0F LOCAL GOVERNMENTS
3
4           SEC. 30. ROJc a/Local GozJcmffle#f Lr#t.ts. -Cities and municipalities shall continue
5      to exercise jurisdiction over municipal waters, pursuant to RA No, 7160, otherwise
6      known as the "Local Government Code of 1991'', as amended, and RA No. 8550, as
7      amended.  Consistent  with  this  mandate,  local  government  units  shall  act  as  the
8     frontline agencies in the formulation, planning, and implementation of IMCAM in their
9      respective jurisdictions. LGUs shall integrate the National Maritime spatial plan in their
10     Comprehensive Development and Annual Investment plans.
11
12           SEC. 31. J#fer-LGU coaperflft.o#. -Consistent with the provisions of RA No. 7160,
13      as amended, LGUs may group themselves and consolidate or coordinate their efforts,
14      services, and resources for the accomplishment of the objectives of this Act.
15
CHARER XIII
FINAL PROVISIONS
18
19           SEC. 32. Co#gress..orc¢J 0tJcrst.gfef. -For the effective implementation of this Act, a
20      Congressional Oversight Committee is created  to be known as the Blue Economy
21     Oversight committee, herein referred to as the ``Committee''. The committee shall be
22      composed of five (5) Senators and five (5) Representatives to be appointed by the senate
23      President and the speaker of the House of Representatives, respectively. The Minority
24      shall be entitled to pro rflf# representation. The committee shall be jointly chaired by the
25     Chairperson of the senate committee on Economic Affairs and the chairperson of the
26      House committee on Economic Affairs.
27
28           SEC.   33.   Appro;7r7.¢tr.o#s.   -   The   amount   of   Cine   Hundred   Million   Pesos
29      (PhF100,000,000.00)  as  initial  funding  for  the  Council  to  be  charged  against  the
30     unexpended contingency Fund of the office of the president is hereby appropriated.
20


1      Thereafter, the amount needed for the implementation of this Act shall be included in
2      the armual General Appropriations Act.
3
4           SEC.  34.  JfflpJc"c#ft.#g  R#Jcs  ¢#d  Rcgrha£..ous.  -  The  Council  shall  issue  the
5      implementing rules and regulations within sixty (60) days from the approval of this Act:
6      Prowl.did, That failure to issue rules and regulations shall not in any manner affect the
7      executory nature of the provisions of this Act.
8
9           SEC. 35. Sap¢fl¢bI.Z!.fry cha#sc.  -If any provision of this Act or a portion thereof is
10      declared unconstitutional or invalid, the remainder of this Act or any provision not
11      affected thereby shall remain in full force and effect.
12
13           SEC.  36.  Rapcazt.#g  CZ¢#se.   -  All  laws,   decrees,  executive  orders,  rules  and
14      regulations, or parts thereof inconsistent with this Act, are hereby repealed, amended,
15      or modified accordingly.
16
17           SEC. 37. £#ectr.t".fry. -This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication
18      in the official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
19
Z0            Approve d ,
21