Practice question
A foreign survey ship transiting a Philippine archipelagic sea lane begins collecting seabed samples for hydrographic research. It has no prior Philippine permission and claims that continuous movement makes all research lawful. Under RA 12065, which answer is best?
- The research is allowed because movement alone makes every activity passage.
- The research is allowed if the samples have little commercial value.
- The research is allowed because all survey ships are exempt.
- The research is allowed whenever the captain promises to publish the data.
- The research is prohibited without prior permission from the appropriate Philippine agency.
Legal references
- Republic Act No. 12065, November 7, 2024, Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act: https://elibrary.judiciary.gov.ph/thebookshelf/showdocs/2/98029; Section 17.
- UNCLOS, Articles 53–54, read with Articles 39, 40, 42 and 44: https://www.un.org/depts/los/convention_agreements/texts/unclos/part4.htm; Article 54 applying Article 40.
Answer this question in flashcards to review your response and continue practicing.