MANILA, Philippines — A House panel approved Wednesday to declare a portion of the Philippine Rise a protected area despite strong objections from a House leader over concerns that the measure may limit the country’s territorial claim over the sea feature. The House natural resources committee passed a substitute bill declaring a portion of the Philippine Rise within the country’s exclusive economic zone in the Philippine Sea as a marine resource reserve. Related Stories Air Force flies over Philippine Rise with EsperonRep. Ruffy Biazon (Marikina) explained that experts recommended that a portion of the Philippine Rise be classified as a marine reserve instead of a natural park, which was what he originally proposed. Atienza, however, raised concerns that the measure may be limiting the country’s claim to the Philippine Rise. “This is not the time to limit ourselves to a small area,” he said.

Source: Philippine Star July 07, 2021 03:00 UTC