The President is in the right in directing foreign ships who will sail on our seas to ask clearance from the proper government authority well in advance of the actual passage.

If we accost jaywalkers and fine drivers who change lanes abruptly, then why should we not demand the same observance of our laws from vessels who will cross into our territory?

If we require domestic ships to file in advance the course they will take, then why should we exempt foreign ones from doing the same?

In this case, the Philippines is not demanding something out of the ordinary, but for other countries to merely accord us the respect which is theirs to give under international laws.