The house of representatives has officially endorsed to the Senate a bill defining the Philippines' territorial waters that may be exploited and explored for resources in the face of the sea disputes with neighboring countries. The chamber passed on third and final reading on Monday the proposed "Philippine Maritime Zones Act" authored by Albay Rep. Al Francis Bichara, chair of the foreign affairs committee. Magdalo party-list Rep. Francisco Ashley Acedelio, Muntinlupa Rep. Rodolfo Biazon and Bukidnon Rep. Jose Zubiri III coauthored House Bill No. 4889, which they described as "a general declaration and definition of the maritime zones under the jurisdiction of the Philippines."

Yap, D. (2015, February 1). House measure defines PH territorial waters. Philippine Daily Inquirer, p. A8.