On 7 November 2024, the Philippines’ enactment of the Philippine Maritime Zones Act and the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act was completed following signed into law by President Marcos. In accordance with Section 19 of the Philippine Maritime Zones Act and Section 28 of the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act, each law takes effect 15 days after publication. The National Mapping and Resource Information Authority of the Philippines has produced an illustrative map of the possible archipelagic sea lanes through the Philippines, but as noted this is subject to finalisation and fixing through the respective IMO and ICAO processes, followed by proclamation by the President.
On 8 November 2024 The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of The People’s Republic of China released a statement objecting to both acts, stating its objections to the Philippine Maritime Zones Act while objecting to the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act without further detail. Likewise, on 8 November 2024, the USA expressed its support to the Philippines’ enactment of the Maritime Zones Act. Finally, as indicated in the records of The Parliament of Malaysia (14 November 2024), Malaysia has sent an objection note to the Philippines concerning the passage of said laws and their touching upon sovereignty over Sabah.
De Maribus 