Resolution Concurring in the Accession to the Protocol of 1978 Relating to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974

March 5, 2018

SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 097

RESOLUTION CONCURRING IN THE ACCESSION TO THE PROTOCOL OF 1978 RELATING TO THE INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION FOR THE SAFETY OF LIFE AT SEA, 1974

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 Protocol of 1978 relating to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974 was adopted on 17 February 1978;

WHEREAS, the Protocol requires new crude carriers and product carriers of 20,000 dwt and above to be fitted with an inert gas system. In case of crude carriers of 20,000-40,000 dwt, there is a provision for exemption by Flag States where it is considered unreasonable or impracticable to fit an inert gas system and high capacity fixed washing. All ships of 1,600-10,000 grt are required to be fitted with radar, and ships of 10,000 grt and above must have two (2) radars each capable of operating independently;

WHEREAS, the accession of the Philippines to the Protocol will accord the country the status of a responsible Flag State which adopts and implements the International Maritime Organization instruments;

WHEREAS, the President of the Philippines ratified the Protocol on 10 August 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 of the Protocol:

1) Department of Foreign Affairs;

2) Department of Justice;

3) Philippine Ports Authority;

4) Maritime Industry Authority; and

5) Philippine Navy.

Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Philippine Senate concur, as it hereby concurs, in the Philippine accession to the Protocol of 1978 relating to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974. HESIcT

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 Protocol.

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