‘Talampas ng Pilipinas’ submission to ISA secures PH maritime rights

By Wilnard Bacelonia, Philippine News Agency

MARITIME RIGHTS. Senator Francis Tolentino on Friday (March 28, 2025) lauds the submission of the Talampas ng Pilipinas (formerly Benham Rise) chart to the International Seabed Authority. He said the move solidifies the country’s maritime rights under international law. (PNA file photo by Yancy Lim)

MANILA – The Philippine government’s submission of the “Talampas ng Pilipinas” chart to the International Seabed Authority (ISA) is a breakthrough in the country’s ongoing efforts to solidify its maritime rights under international law.

Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino on Friday called it a “triumph for Philippine sovereignty” and a significant step in securing the nation’s exclusive rights over the Talampas ng Pilipinas (formerly Philippine or Benham Rise) and its mineral resources, according to a news release.

The law identifies the Talampas ng Pilipinas as part of the Philippines’ extended continental shelf, granting the country sovereign rights to explore and exploit mineral, petroleum and other nonliving resources of the seabed and subsoil.

The submission aligns with the provisions of Republic Act No. 10264, also known as the Philippine Maritime Zones Law, principally authored by Tolentino.

Tolentino, also chair of the Senate Special Committee on Maritime and Admiralty Zones, said the measure enables the country to establish artificial islands, conduct marine scientific research, and perform drilling and tunneling operations, consistent with the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

“The Talampas ng Pilipinas is our legacy and gift to the youth and succeeding generations of Filipinos.

It ensures a bright and promising future for our country,” Tolentino said.

He expressed gratitude to the Department of Foreign Affairs, Philippine Mission to the United Nations, and the Hydrography Branch of National Mapping and Resource Information Authority for their contributions to the initiative.

The ISA is the intergovernmental body responsible for regulating mineral-related activities in the international seabed area under UNCLOS.

The Philippines deposited the chart with ISA Secretary General Leticia Carvalho on the sidelines of the ongoing 30th session of ISA Council in New York City, United States on Thursday.