Senator Win Gatchalian on Saturday emphasized the need to legislate the establishment of the Philippine maritime zone to "strengthen and help enforce" the country's claim over the WPS, as affirmed by a 2016 arbitral ruling.

"Taking legal cognizance of the arbitral ruling is our best defense and the loudest message we can send around the world that we are asserting our sovereignty and our sovereign rights," he said.

Gatchalian's Senate Bill 2394, or The Philippine Maritime Zones Act, intends to clearly define the country's maritime zones, harmonizing domestic laws on maritime territory with the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Gatchalian said such a measure, once enacted, will reinforce the 2016 landmark arbitral victory that the Philippines secured against China.

"The ruling invalidated Beijing's so-called nine-dash line claim over the WPS," he added. "In effect, the 2016 arbitral ruling will be enshrined in our laws and this is going to be one of the strongest signals to the world that we are asserting sovereignty and asserting our exclusive economic zone and our sovereign rights in the region."

Gatchalian said the country's maritime zone boundaries declaration will likely "fortify the geographical extent of the maritime domain" of the Philippines.

"The enactment of local laws would enforce the country's compliance with UNCLOS and thus enable the country to enjoy the rights and benefits of the convention," he added.

SB 2394 states that the country's maritime zones will comprise the internal waters, archipelagic waters, territorial sea, contiguous zone, exclusive economic zone and continental shelf in accordance with international law.

Gatchalian also filed another bill seeking the designation of the country's archipelagic lanes "to enhance the Philippines' national security and protect its economic and environmental interests."