Manila, March 28 -- The Philippine government's submission of the "Talampas ng Pilipinas" chart to the International Seabed Authority (ISA) is a breakthrough in the country's ongoing efforts to solidify its maritime rights under international law.

Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino on Friday called it a "triumph for Philippine sovereignty" and a significant step in securing the nation's exclusive rights over the Talampas ng Pilipinas (formerly Philippine or Benham Rise) and its mineral resources, according to a news release.

The law identifies the Talampas ng Pilipinas as part of the Philippines' extended continental shelf, granting the country sovereign rights to explore and exploit mineral, petroleum and other nonliving resource...