Philippine President Marcos signed "Maritime Zones Act" and "Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act" in an attempt to legalize its expansion in the South China Sea recently.

Rommel Banlaoi, Chairman of the Advisory Board of the China Studies Center, New Era University, the Philippines, said the "Maritime Zones Act" is not contributing to the settlement of disputes. The only way to peacefully settle disputes in the region is through direct consultation and negotiations. And all other unilateral action will only be domestic, it will not contribute to the peaceful settlement.