Unification of maritime instruments lauded

I would like to extend my gratitude to our lawmakers, especially Congressman Carlo Gonzales, for their support to the maritime Industry

The Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) has lauded the crafting of a bill that seeks to unify international maritime instruments, simplifying its implementation here in the country.

Marina administrator Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad extolled the bill being crafted by Marino Parylist and other lawmakers for further promoting the seafaring and maritime industry, emphasizing that as a responsible member of the International Maritime Organization and the IMO Council and in support of the global effort to promote safer ships and cleaner oceans.

Through the measure, the Philippines will be able to fully implement relevant IMO mandatory instruments by giving clear mandates for implementing maritime.

“The enactment of this bill into law addresses efforts on ease of doing business as it cures the fragmented mandates of relevant government agencies when it comes to implementing IMO Conventions. We hope that the consolidated bill becomes a law prior to the Philippine audit under the IMO Member State Audit Scheme in 2022,” Empedrad said.

The Marino Partylist, seafarer’s lone representation at the House of Representatives, said the technical working group of the House Committee on Transportation recently convened to harmonize and strengthen measures seeking the effective implementation of international maritime statutes of which the Philippines is a State-Party.

In a virtual meeting, the panel, chaired by Marino Partylist representative Carlo Gonzales, deliberated on four House measures for the initiative to come up with a unified bill.

The proposed measure includes House Bill ( HB) 33 authored by Pangasinan Third District Representative Rose Marie Arenas; HB 5222 introduced by Cagayan de Oro second district representative Rufus Rodriguez; HB 5758 by Samar first district representative Edgar Mary Sarmiento; and HB 6217 co-penned by Marino Representatives Gonzales and Macnell Lusotan, as well as Davao City first district representative Paolo Duterte.

Gonzales highlighted the important role of the maritime and shipping industries in keeping the economy afloat, while the TWG chair called on the partner agencies to be mindful of the country’s obligation in implementing and enforcing the provisions that the State-Parties — like the Philippines — have agreed upon. RAFFY AYENG

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