The Maritime Zones bill, if it becomes a law, would not deter Chinese fishermen from intruding into Philippine waters, but it would “impose” more pressure on China to follow international law, a United Statesbased think tank said. Gregory Poling, director of the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, made the remark when asked whether a Philippine maritime zone law would discourage Chinese incursions in the West Philippine Sea. The Senate is set to pass on Monday on third and final reading Senate Bill (SB) 2492 or the proposed “Philippine Maritime Zones Act (PMZA) of 2023.” SB 2492, sponsored by Sen. Francis Tolentino, aims to clearly delineate the maritime zones of the Philippines as specified by the United Nations Convention on the Laws of the Sea (Unclos).

Tamayo, B. E. (2024, February 26). 'PH Maritime zones bill will not deter Chinese fishers'. The Manila Times, p. A3.