Palawan 3rd District Rep. Edward Hagedorn has filed a bill declaring all low-tide elevations and high-tide features, and an area of three nautical miles around the Kalayaan Island Group and Scarborough Shoal, as a marine protected area. Hagedorn said the protection of the environment and the natural resources in the West Philippine Sea should also be prioritized by the Philippines. “We must learn to cooperate as one region in the protection of our natural resources while we settle the territorial disputes in the West Philippine Sea. The protection of the rich marine resources and environment of the West Philippine Sea is a shared interest and responsibility of all adjoining states around the South China Sea which should be a guiding policy for all of us in the region,” he said.

Araja, R. N. (2022, November 28). Kalayaan Island Group eyed as protected area. Manila Standard, p. A4.