The administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has taken another significant step in advancing the Philippines’ rules-based foreign policy by formally depositing the official nautical chart of Bajo de Masinloc and its surrounding maritime zones with the United Nations Secretariat, a Palace official said

In a Palace press briefing, Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced that Philippine Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Enrique Manalo led the submission in accordance with Article 16 of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

According to the DFA, under the leadership of Foreign Affairs Secretary Tess Lazaro, the filing reinforces the Philippines’ commitment to protecting its maritime rights through international law while strengthening legal certainty, transparency, and global recognition of the country’s maritime jurisdiction.

The submission also ensures that the Philippines’ official maritime entitlements are properly documented and preserved before the international community, particularly in light of the long-term effects of climate change and rising sea levels.

“Mahalaga rin ito sa pagpreserba ng opisyal na record ng mga maritime entitlement ng bansa sa harap ng epekto ng climate change sa pagtaas ng lebel ng dagat,” Castro said.

Castro said that the move forms part of the country’s continuing efforts to safeguard the country’s maritime domain, including the West Philippine Sea, through peaceful and lawful means consistent with international law.

The filing complements President Marcos’ broader foreign policy agenda of asserting the Philippines’ sovereign rights and maritime entitlements while promoting a rules-based international order anchored on UNCLOS and the 2016 Arbitral Award.

“Isa lang ang hakbang na ito ng pamahalaan na naglalayong mapanatili sa kaisipan ng bawat Pilipino at ng buong mundo ang mga karagatan ng Pilipinas lalong lalo na ang West Philippine Sea,” she said.

Since assuming office, Marcos has consistently maintained that the Philippines will continue to defend its lawful rights in its maritime zones and will not yield its sovereign rights under international law.

The latest diplomatic initiative underscores the administration’s continuing campaign to uphold the country’s maritime interests and preserve them for future generations while strengthening international recognition of the Philippines’ lawful claims.

“Bahagi rin ito sa matinding kampanya ni Pangulong Marcos Jr. isulong ang karapatan ng bawat Pilipino sa ating mga karagatan,” Castro said. Presidential News Desk