Manila, Feb. 14 -- A ranking National Security Council (NSC) official on Friday disputed claims that the West Philippine Sea (WPS) is just a "figment of imagination" and stressed that this is clearly defined by Republic Act (RA) 12064 or the Philippine Maritime Zones Act.

"The maritime zones of the Philippines on the western side of the archipelago, including the Luzon Sea and the territorial seas of Bajo de Masinloc and the maritime features of the Kalayaan Island Group shall collectively be known as the WPS," NSC Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya said in a press briefing, quoting the law.

The Philippine Maritime Zones Act was signed into law on Nov. 7, 2024 by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

Malaya made the remark in respo...