A PHILIPPINE senator has filed a bill that seeks to create a multi-agency body that would secure and oversee the sustainable development of the Philippine Rise for energy and tourism projects.
“This maritime territory promises transformative opportunities, from renewable energy sources and marine biodiversity conservation to ecotourism development,” Senator Francis N. Tolentino said in Senate Bill No. 2996’s explanatory note.
The Philippine Rise or Benham Rise, an underwater plateau and continental shelf extension off the eastern coast of the Philippines, has abundant marine species and untapped mineral resources and gas deposits.
Former President Rodrigo R. Duterte issued an executive order in 2017 that renamed Benham Rise to Philippine Rise.
In March, government representatives submitted a chart of the Philippine Rise to the International Seabed Authority of the United Nations.
The agency regulates and controls deep-sea mining activities beyond national jurisdictions, as mandated by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
Republic Act No. 10264 or the Philippine Maritime Zones Law, which was authored by Mr. Tolentino, incorporated the Benham Rise within the Philippine territory.
Mr. Tolentino said unlocking the potential of the Philippine Rise requires “overcoming systemic barriers such as fragmented governance, uncoordinated research and the absence of a unified strategy for sustainable development.”
He added that his bill seeks to create a central body that would unify efforts and coordinate research to unlock the potential of the Philippine Rise, while also ensuring the area’s protection.
Mr. Tolentino said the creation of a Talampas ng Pilipinas Development Authority (TPDA) would “catalyze inclusive economic growth, generate employment and uplift communities nationwide.”
In 2009, the Philippines filed a partial claim for the area with the United Nations Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf for Philippine Rise, which was approved three years after.
Among the proposed agency’s tasks are to promote public-private partnerships in renewable energy, ecotourism and blue economy initiatives.
It will also coordinate with government agencies, local government units, private enterprises and civil society to optimize resource management and investments.
It will create a science-based framework aligned with national priorities and implement strict environmental protocols and marine biodiversity protection.
“As the central governing body, the TPDA will spearhead integrated planning, policy formulation and multisectoral collaboration to ensure the region’s resources are harnessed responsibly,” Mr. Tolentino said.
The proposed agency will be steered by a board of directors headed by the secretary of the Department of Economy Planning and Development (DEPDev).
The Department of Energy and Department of Science and Technology will provide technical assistance, funding and program support for TPDA-led projects, including shared personnel and laboratories.
Meanwhile, Mr. Tolentino also filed a separate bill that seeks to create a corporate body that will focus on tapping potential oil or natural gas resources at the Philippine Rise.
He said the Talampas ng Pilipinas Oil Corp. will focus on the exploration, development and use of all potential oil, petroleum and gas operations in the area.
It will also build, install or maintain duty-free ports, airports, telecommunication centers and ship-to-shore communication facilities, and provide utilities such as power and water.
Under the bill, the corporation will be governed by a seven-member board of directors, including the administrator of the TPDA, who will be appointed by the President. — Adrian H. Halili
