President Marcos Jr. signs into law the Philippine Maritime Zones Act and the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act. via Pia Gutierrez, ABS-CBN News/Screengrab from RTVM Facebook Live

MANILA — The National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA) is set to release a new and updated map of the Philippines following the signing into law of the Philippine Maritime Zones Act, its administrator said Friday.

 The measure which was signed into law on Friday clearly defines the country’s maritime zones in accordance with the UNCLOS, including the West Philippine Sea. 

NAMRIA Administrator, Undersecretary Peter Tiangco, said the agency has already prepared the delineation of maritime zones and archipelagic sea lanes. They are just awaiting the law’s Implementing Rules and Regulation for them to modify or revise them accordingly before its final publication.

 "'Yung dati kasi may basis lang sa Treaty of Paris. Binago na natin, in accordance with the provisions of the United Nations Convention of Law of the Sea and of course our Constitution,” Tiangco told reporters.

 He assured that the new map is in accordance with existing laws.

 “As you know this is a very delicate matter 'yung coming up with the new official Philippine map. So kailangan we should be very careful with this one so right one it is undergoing vetting process from various agencies,” he added. 

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