1968 baselines law remains in effect

Just to remind your readers that Section 2 of Republic Act No. 5446, which was enacted on Sept. 18, 1968, provides, as follows:

“Section 2. The definition of the baselines of the territorial sea of the Philippine Archipelago as provided in this Act is without prejudice to the delineation of the baselines of the territorial sea around the territory of Sabah, situated in North Borneo, over which the Republic of the Philippines has acquired dominion and sovereignty.”

RA 9522, which was enacted on March 10, 2009, amends only Section 1 of RA 3046 entitled “An Act to Define The Baselines of the Territorial Sea of the Philippines.”  The above provision of RA 5446 continues to be effective.

—ESTELITO P. MENDOZA
emram@globelines.com.ph