The following top priority is: areas of the sea.

A senator announced on Monday that the Philippine Senate intends to approve a crucial bill defining Philippine maritime boundaries after the 2024 national budget is passed next month. This measure is deemed urgent due to the current tensions with China in the South China Sea.

During a Senate committee hearing on maritime and admiralty zones, Senator Francis N. Tolentino stressed the importance of including the Philippine Rise in our territories and refining the definition of exclusive economic zones. Passing this measure is crucial.

He stated that the swift adjustment and final authorization of the proposal has become a pressing matter, given the recent incident where a Chinese ship collided with Filipino civilian vessels that were attempting to provide resources to Philippine soldiers at the Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea. He also emphasized that creating designated maritime areas for the Philippines is long overdue.

John Victor D. Ordoñez stated that the plan should address the issue of neighboring countries constructing man-made structures in Philippine waters.