Resolution Concurring in the Accession to the International Convention on the Control of Harmful Anti-Fouling Systems on Ships, 2001

March 5, 2018

SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 094

RESOLUTION CONCURRING IN THE ACCESSION TO THE INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION ON THE CONTROL OF HARMFUL ANTI-FOULING SYSTEMS ON SHIPS, 2001

WHEREAS, the Constitution, Article VII, Section 21, states: "No treaty or international agreement shall be valid and effective unless concurred in by at least two-thirds of all the Members of the Senate";

WHEREAS, the International Convention on the Control of Harmful Anti-Fouling Systems on Ships (AFS 2001 Convention) was adopted on 05 October 2001 in London;

WHEREAS, the AFS 2001 Convention aims to prohibit the use of harmful organotins in anti-fouling paints used on ships and to establish a mechanism to prevent the potential future use of other harmful substances in anti-fouling systems;

WHEREAS, scientific studies and investigations by Governments and competent international organizations have shown that certain AFS used on ships pose a substantial risk of toxicity and other chronic impacts to ecologically and economically important marine organisms, and also that human health may be harmed as a result of the consumption of affected seafood;

WHEREAS, it is recognized that the use of AFS to prevent the build-up of organisms on the surface of ships is of critical importance to efficient commerce, shipping and impeding the spread of harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens;

WHEREAS, it is further recognized to continue to develop AFS which are effective and environmentally safe and to promote the substitution of harmful systems by less harmful systems or preferably harmless systems;

WHEREAS, the President of the Philippines ratified the Convention on 16 May 2017 and submitted it to the Senate for concurrence, in accordance with the Constitution;

WHEREAS, in the hearing conducted by the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations on 20 February 2018, the following government agencies endorsed the concurrence to the accession to the Convention:

1) Department of Foreign Affairs;

2) Department of Justice;

3) Philippine Ports Authority;

4) Maritime Industry Authority;

5) Philippine Fisheries Development Authority; and

6) Philippine Navy.

Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Philippine Senate concur, as it hereby concurs, in the Philippine accession to the International Convention on the Control of Harmful Anti-Fouling Systems on Ships, 2001. AaCTcI

Resolved, finally, That the President of the Philippines may, with the concurrence of two-thirds of all the Members of the Senate, withdraw from the Convention.

Adopted,

(SGD.) AQUILINO "KOKO" PIMENTEL IIIPresident of the Senate

This Resolution was adopted by the Senate on March 5, 2018.

(SGD.) LUTGARDO B. BARBOSecretary of the Senate