WPS clearly defined by maritime zones law: NSC exec

By Priam Nepomuceno, Philippine News Agency

Malaya made the remark in response to claims that there is no such thing as the WPS. (File Photo: National Security Council of the Philippines/Facebook)

MANILA – A ranking National Security Council (NSC) official on Friday disputed claims that the West Philippine Sea (WPS) is just a “figment of imagination” and stressed that this is clearly defined by Republic Act (RA) 12064 or the Philippine Maritime Zones Act.

“The maritime zones of the Philippines on the western side of the archipelago, including the Luzon Sea and the territorial seas of Bajo de Masinloc and the maritime features of the Kalayaan Island Group shall collectively be known as the WPS,” NSC Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya said in a press briefing, quoting the law.

The Philippine Maritime Zones Act was signed into law on Nov. 7, 2024 by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

Malaya made the remark in response to claims that there is no such thing as the WPS.

The NSC official explained that the seas that are being “referred to are the archipelagic waters of the Philippines, which is the waters inside the archipelagic baselines; number two, the internal waters of the Philippines; number three, the territorial sea of the Philippines; number four, the contiguous zone; number five, the exclusive economic zone; and number six, the continental shelf and the extended continental shelf of the Philippines.”

Malaya also dismissed claims that the WPS is just based on former President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III’s Administrative Order 29 that was issued on Sept. 5, 2012.

“That is an old reference. As everyone knows, when we utilize the word WPS, it is no longer on the basis of an administrative order of a former president. It is now enshrined in our laws, in particular the Philippine Maritime Zones Act,” he added.

No spy scare tactics

Meanwhile, Malaya also denied claims that the Philippines is using “spy scare” tactics against China.

“I’d like to clearly state that insofar as the Philippine government is concerned, there is no anti-China rhetoric being propagated by the Philippine government,” he added, noting that the country has diplomatic relations with China spanning many years.

He also said Manila will not benefit from instigating these acts.

“That is the farthest from the truth. There is no anti-China rhetoric that is being propagated. We just happen to have the evidence to pin down several Chinese nationals who have been arrested by Philippine law enforcement authorities in the act of espionage. Cases have been filed in court. These are legitimate counterintelligence operations. These accused individuals of espionage were caught in the act. They were caught red-handed. Espionage equipment (was) confiscated by law enforcement authorities,” he added.

Aside from this, the National Bureau of Investigation had secured the necessary warrants to conduct forensic investigation. “And we already have a wealth of evidence to pin them down,” Malaya said.

WPS documentary

Meanwhile, a new documentary film titled “Food Delivery: Fresh from the West Philippine Sea” is set to feature the Philippine Coast Guard and ordinary fisherfolks, who protect the Filipino way of life and source of food from the resource-rich waters.

The film by award-winning Baby Ruth Villarama will be screened at the 2025 Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival which runs from March 14 to 25 at the Gateway Cineplex 18 in Cubao, Quezon City.

“We want the audience to understand that sovereignty is not just a political issue; it’s a deeply personal one for every Filipino,” said Villarama.

“From the fishermen risking their lives to feed their families, to the Coast Guard and Navy personnel delivering food to the soldiers on remote outposts, Food Delivery illustrates the shared sacrifice and the collective love we all have to protect our way of life,” she added. (With report from Joyce Rocamora/PNA)