Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
Second Regular Session 
House Bill No. 9612
Introduced by Representative Richard I. Gomez, DPA 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The "Blue Economy" constitutes a holistic strategy that emphasizes the responsible management 
and sustainable utilization of our oceanic and coastal resources. This multifaceted approach is geared 
towards not only driving economic growth and creating livelihood opportunities but also safeguarding the 
vitality and well-being of marine ecosystems. 
At its core, the Blue Economy encompasses a diverse range of economic activities, including 
fisheries, aquaculture, tourism, shipping, renewable energy, and marine biotechnology. Given that oceans 
cover over 70% of the earth's surface and play a crucial role in climate regulation and food security for 
millions worldwide, responsible ocean management is imperative. 
One significant aspect that warrants attention is the substantial contribution of marine and coastal 
areas to our natural resource wealth. With fishing being an integral livelihood for countless Filipinos, it 
becomes paramount to develop and preserve our coastal and marine resources, ensuring their sustainable 
future. 
The economic potential of the Blue Economy, valued at over $3 trillion annually, is immense and 
serves as a primary source of sustenance for millions across the globe. However, to fully harness this 
potential, it is imperative to prioritize sustainable practices, technological innovation, international 
cooperation, and inclusive policies that guarantee equitable benefits for communities reliant on marine 
resources. 
Despite its promise, the Blue Economy confronts challenges such as overfishing, habitat 
degradation, pollution, and the impacts of climate change. Thus, concerted efforts are required to protect 
and sustainably manage our oceans. 
November 23, 2023
11:52 am


This bill lays down a structured framework for the sustainable development and responsible 
management of coastal and marine ecosystems and resources. It seeks to foster economic growth, social 
inclusivity, and environmental sustainability within the maritime sector. By prioritizing stewardship and 
sustainable practices, the Act envisions a balanced approach that benefits both current and future 
generations. 
Furthermore, it establishes the groundwork for integrated coastal zone management, advocating 
for collaboration among various stakeholders, including government agencies, local communities, and 
industry representatives, to craft comprehensive, science-based plans for sustainable use and 
development. It emphasizes an ecosystem-based approach to resource management, underscoring the 
importance of conserving and restoring marine habitats due to their intrinsic value in maintaining 
biodiversity. 
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
RICHARD I. GOMEZ 


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
Second Regular Session 
House Bill No. 9612 
___________________________________________________________________________ 
Introduced by Representative Richard I. Gomez, DPA 
___________________________________________________________________________ 
AN ACT ESTABLISHING A FRAMEWORK FOR BLUE ECONOMY, PROMOTING 
STEWARDSHIP AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF COASTAL AND MARINE 
ECOSYSTEMS AND RESOURCES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled: 
CHAPTER I GENERAL PROVISIONS 
SECTION 1. Short Title. – This Act shall be known as the "Blue Economy Act". 
SEC 2. Declaration of Policy. – 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
these ecosystems (e.g. carbon sequestration), 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 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. Definition of Terms. – As used in this Act: 
 
 
 
 
 
(a) Aquaculture refers to the farming of aquatic organisms including fish, molluscs, 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 planning, development and operation 
of aquaculture systems, sites, facilities and practices, and the production and transport; 
 
 
 
(b) Aquasilviculture refers to a multi-purpose production system that allows production of fish in 
a mangrove reforestation project; 
 
 
(c) Blue economy 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) Commercial fishing refers to the harvesting of fish, either in whole or in part, for sale, barter 
or trade; 
 
 
 
(e) Ecosystem services 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) Environmental-economic accounting refers to a systematic way to measure and report on 
stocks and flows of natural assets and resources – both biotic and 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; 
 
 
(g) Environmental-economic accounts refer to statistical information, in physical or monetary 
terms, about the extraction of natural resources, their use 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; 
 
 
 


(h) Integrated marine and coastal area management refers to a participatory process for 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) Investment promotion agencies 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 (BOI), 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), 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 or that may be created by law; 
 
 
 
 
(j) Mariculture refers to the farming of organisms, both plants and animals, in an aquatic medium 
or environment which may be completely marine (sea), or sea water mixed to various degrees with fresh 
water. This definition would include both the sea and inland brackishwater areas;  
 
(k) Marine scientific research refers to any research activity, which is conducted for exclusively 
peaceful purposes, for the purpose of increasing scientific knowledge about the marine environment, 
including all natural resources, toward the benefit of mankind and according to the United Nations 
Convention on the Law of the Sea; 
 
 
 
(l) Maritime domain awareness refers to the effective understanding of any activity that could 
impact upon the security, safety, economy or environment; 
 
 
 
(m) Maritime spatial planning 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, 
ecological and social objectives;  
 
(n) Ocean-based activities refer to activities that are undertaken in the ocean, e.g. fisheries and 
aquaculture, offshore oil and gas, mining, ocean energy, desalination, shipping and marine transportation, 
marine tourism, marine construction; 
 
 
(o) Ocean-related activities refer to activities that use products from the ocean (e.g., seafood 
processing, marine biotechnology, chemicals, salt, etc.) and produce products and services for the ocean 
and ocean-based activities (e.g., ship building and repair, ports, tourist resorts, communication, maritime 
insurance and law, maritime technical services, etc.); 
 
 
(p) Subsistence fishing – fishing for personal consumption or traditional/ceremonial purposes; 
 
 
 
 
 
 


(q) Ocean literacy refers to an understanding of the ocean’s influence on humans and human 
influence on the ocean.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
SEC. 4. Scope of Application. – For purposes of this Act, the Philippines shall exercise 
sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction, 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 the 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 its territorial jurisdiction. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CHAPTER II NATIONAL MARITIME COUNCIL  
 
 
 
 
SEC. 5. National Maritime Council. – 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. 
 
 
 
 
SEC. 6. Composition. – The Council is composed of the following: 
 
 
 
 
(a) Executive Secretary, as Chairperson; 
 
 (b) Secretary of Socio-Economic Planning; 
 
 (c) Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources; (d) Secretary of National Defense; 
 
 (e) Secretary of Foreign Affairs; 
 
 (f) Secretary of Justice; 
 
 (g) Secretary of the Interior and Local Government; (h) Secretary of Agriculture; 
 
 (i) SecretaryofTourism; 
 
 (j) SecretaryofTransportation; 
 
 (k) Secretary of Trade and Industry; 
 
 (l) SecretaryofEnergy; 
 
 (m)Secretary of Science and Technology; and 
 
 (n) Secretary of Finance. 
 
 
 
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. 
 
 
 
 
 
 


SEC. 7. Secretariat. – 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.  
 
 
 
 
 
SEC. 8. Support Agencies. – Section 6 of 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 Investments; 
 (c) Securities and Exchange Commission; 
 (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) PhilippineFisheriesDevelopmentAuthority; 
 (j) PhilippineCouncilforAgricultureandFisheries; 
 (k) Maritime Industry Authority; 
 (l) PhilippinePortsAuthority; 
 (m)Philippine Reclamation Authority; 
(n)  Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and 
Development; 
(o)  Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA);
 
(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. 
 
 
 
 
In order to ensure the efficient and effective discharge of its responsibilities, the Council may 
create working groups, and call upon other departments, bureaus, offices and instrumentalities of the 
Government, and academic and research institutions engaged in marine science and ocean-based or 
ocean-related activities to participate in working groups, as it may deem necessary. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CHAPTER III 
POLICY FRAMEWORK ON BLUE ECONOMY 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SEC. 9. Policy Framework on Blue Economy. – The Council shall, within six (6) months from 
the effectivity of this Act, formulate a Policy Framework on Blue Economy, herein referred to as the 
Policy Framework. The Policy Framework shall serve as the basis for marine spatial planning, 


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. 
 
 
 
 
 
SEC. 10. Components of the Policy Framework on Blue Economy. – The Policy Framework 
shall include the following components:  
 
 
 
(a) Review of all existing policies, plans, programs, projects, rules and regulations on ocean-
based and ocean-related activities; 
 
(b)  Adherence to international maritime laws; 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
(c)  Analysis of current and emerging trends and changes in demography, consumption, 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, Article 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 or 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; 
 
 
(g) Guiding framework for blue finance; 
(h) Priority research and development agenda; 
(i) Promotion of ocean literacy and social responsibility towards the protection of 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 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SEC. 11. International Maritime Instruments. – 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 international 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)  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 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); 
(g) 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 Cooperation 1990 
(OPRC 1990); 
(j) International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and 
Sediments, 2004 (BWM 2004); 
(k) Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by dumping of Wastes and Other Matter, 
1972, as amended, and its 1996 Protocol (LCP); 
(l) Special Trade Passenger Ships Agreement, 1971 (STP 71); 
(m) 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 Amended (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; 
(q) Protocol of 1992 to amend the International Convention on the Establishment of an 
International Fund for Compensation for Oil Pollution Damage, 1971; 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SEC. 12. Application. – 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, firms and other entities duly registered or licensed in 
the Philippines to engage in ocean-based or ocean-related enterprise, or those acting on their 
behalf; 
(c) 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. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CHAPTER V  
ENVIRONMENTAL-ECONOMIC ACCOUNTING 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SEC. 13. Environmental-Economic Accounting. – The Council shall undertake environmental-
economic accounting of maritime ecosystems and resources, based on the United Nations System of 
Environmental-Economic Accounting. Members of the Council and heads of support agencies shall 
contribute data on environmental-economic accounts relating to their mandates. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SEC. 14. Framework. – 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 MARINE AND COASTAL AREA MANAGEMENT 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SEC. 15. Integrated Marine and Coastal Area Management (IMCAM). – The Integrated 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. 


 
 
 
 
 
 
SEC. 16. Elements of the National IMCAM Framework. – The Council shall develop and 
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, LGUs 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) such as: 
(1) Direct action to protect coastal and marine environments from negative impacts, 
(2) Identification, protection, prevention of alteration and destruction, and restoration of 
coastal and marine habitats, particularly areas important for reproduction, inter alia, coral 
reef systems sea grass and the sea bed; 
(3) Prevention, reduction or control of marine and land-based pollution; 
(4) Improper coastal land use and the mismanagement of watersheds Establishment of closed 
fishing areas; 
(5)  Reduce 
by-catch. 
 
(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. 17. Protection of Endangered Species. – The Council shall spearhead the conservation, 
protection and 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 amended, and in compliance with the relevant provisions of international treaties 
and agreements such as, the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora 


and Fauna, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and Convention on Biological 
Diversity. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SEC. 18. Policy Coordination. – 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 DEVELOPMENT PLANNING 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SEC. 19. Maritime Spatial Planning. – 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. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SEC. 20. Industry Development Plans. – 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 Framework. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SEC. 21. Integration with Area and National Development Plans. – The National Economic and 
Development Authority shall integrate the maritime spatial plan and industry development plans into the 
Philippine Development Plan, the National Priority Plan, the National Physical Framework Plan, and 
Area Spatial Development Framework. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SEC. 22. Inclusion in Strategic Investment Priority Plan. – The Council shall recommend to the 
Board of Investments the inclusion of identified priority strategic ocean- based and ocean-based activities 
in the Strategic Investment Priority Plan. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SEC. 23. Blue Economic Zones. – 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 enterprises engaged in ocean-based or 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 
Innovation Act.” 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CHAPTER IX BLUE FINANCE 
 
 
SEC. 24. Role of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). – In the exercise of its regulatory 
powers over financial institutions, the BSP shall mandate banks and quasi-banks to adopt the United 
Nations Environment Programme Sustainable Blue Economy Finance Principles as a foundation of 
corporate governance and risk management. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SEC. 25. Role of Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). – The SEC shall encourage 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 developed and may be revised from time to time by the 
ASEAN Capital Markets Forum and the International Capital Market Association, respectively. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SEC. 26. Role of Government Financial Institutions. – The Land Bank of the Philippines and 
the 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 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SEC. 27. Marine Scientific Research. – 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 in 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 
UNCLOS. 
 
 
 
 
 
SEC. 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 Alternative Learning System, general 
education programs 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 
OF 
NAVIGATION 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
SEC. 29. Archipelagic Sea Lanes. – The Council shall designate sea lanes and air routes there 
above, suitable for the continuous and expeditious passage of foreign ships and aircrafts through or over 
the archipelagic waters and the adjacent territorial sea, and shall, where necessary as regards to the 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 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SEC. 30. Role of Local Government Units. – Cities and municipalities shall continue to exercise 
jurisdiction over municipal waters, pursuant to RA 7160, 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. 31. Inter-LGU Cooperation. – 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 objectives of this Act. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CHAPTER XIII FINAL PROVISIONS 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SEC. 32. Congressional Oversight. – 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 on Economic Affairs and 
the Chairperson of the House Committee on Economic Affairs. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SEC. 33. Appropriations. – The amount of One hundred million pesos (P100,000,000.00) as 
initial funding for the Council to be charged against the unexpended Contingency Fund of the Office of 
the President is hereby appropriated. Thereafter, the amount needed for the implementation of this Act 
shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SEC. 34. Implementing Rules and Regulations. – The Council shall issue the implementing 
rules and regulations within sixty (60) days from the approval of this Act: Provided, That That the failure 
to issue rules and regulations shall not in any manner affect the executory nature of the provisions of this 
Act. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SEC. 35. Separability Clause. – If any provision of this Act is held invalid or unconstitutional, 
the remaining provisions not affected shall remain in full force and effect. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SEC. 36. Repealing Clause. – All other laws, decrees, executive orders, and rules and regulations 
contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are repealed or modified accordingly. 
 
 
 
 
 
 


SEC. 37. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the 
Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Approved,