Loftier PH post in UN maritime council eyed

(REUTERS)

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Francis Tolentino on Monday floated the possibility of the Philippines joining the highest category on the council of the United Nations’ special agency for shipping regulations.

During the hearing of the Special Committee on Philippine Maritime and Admiralty Zones, Tolentino said the Philippines should strive to join the highest category in the council of the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

Membership to the IMO Council provides privilege to contribute to policy formulation and decision making processes of the council, continuously granting voting rights to council, participation in the advancement of safer ships, welfare of the seafarers and protection of the marine environment, among others. 

While an IMO membership provides these terms, a country under the higher category could better advance its interests in the maritime industry.

Tolentino said the country should aim at being  included in Category A, noting that the Philippines provide about 800,000 seafarers worldwide to date.

Ten states under Category A are those with the largest interest in providing international shipping services while the ten other countries under Category B are those  with the largest interest in international seaborne trade.

“Is there any chance for the Philippines to be part of Category A?” Tolentino asked Philippine Permanent Representative to the IMO Teodoro Locsin Jr:

“That thought occurred to me also,” Locsin replied.

Tolentino further pressed: “Isn’t the provision of 800,000 warm bodies, a large enough interest to make us part of Category A?”

“Category A is for shipping services, but I see your point,” Locsin said.

Currently, the Philippines is under Category C of the council, along with 19 other countries after being reelected during the 33rd IMO Assembly in London last year.

According to IMO, countries under Category C “have special interests in maritime transport or navigation and whose election to the Council will ensure the representation of all major geographic areas of the world.”

The IMO oversees world maritime affairs, such as safety, security, and the environmental protection of the marine sphere.

The Philippines joined the IMO in 1964, and was elected to the Council in 1997.