00:00A geopolitical analyst has seen a positive and negative effect in the Philippines
00:05in the violation of the Maritime Zones Act.
00:08Gav Villegas is in the center of Balita Live.
00:11Gav.
00:14Kenneth, a geopolitical analyst has seen that the violation of the Maritime Zones Act
00:20will give a way for the Philippines to strengthen its alliance with other countries.
00:27According to Professor Don McLean-Gill of De La Salle University,
00:31China sees that the so-called law is a hindrance to its expansionist agenda.
00:36China will continue to ask questions about the actions of the Philippines
00:41to protect its sovereignty in accordance with international law.
00:45It is also not a reason for the Philippines to stop what it is doing.
00:50Under the Maritime Zones Act, it assures that in accordance with international law,
00:55the United Nations Convention on Law of the Sea, or UNCLOS,
00:58and the 2016 Arbitral Ruling, the country's maritime zones.
01:02It will also strengthen the Philippine Coast Guard and Philippine Navy,
01:06as well as our armed forces that protect the West Philippine Sea.
01:10Here, they will establish roles of precedence for foreign ships
01:14that pass through the Philippine waterways,
01:17and it will support the comprehensive archipelagic defense concept
01:21that is also important in order to protect the West Philippine Sea.
01:24We also need to strengthen our maritime cooperation activities
01:28with our allies.
01:30Kenneth, when it comes to foreign policy under the Trump administration,
01:35Gill said that the security talks in the West Philippine Sea are important
01:41and the United States will maintain its presence in the region.
01:46It will also be an advantage for the Philippines,
01:49for example, if the U.S. government raises the budget for their defense.
01:56Now, the Philippines is able to conduct multilateral patrols
02:00in its Exclusive Economic Zone under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.
02:06And that is the latest. Back to you, Kenneth.
02:10Thank you very much, Gav Villegas.
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