Resolution Concurring in the Accession to the Protocol of 1988 Relating to the International Convention on Load Lines, 1966

March 5, 2018

SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 096

RESOLUTION CONCURRING IN THE ACCESSION TO THE PROTOCOL OF 1988 RELATING TO THE INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION ON LOAD LINES, 1966

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 1988 relating to the International Convention on Load Lines, 1966 was adopted on 11 November 1988 in London;

WHEREAS, the Protocol aims to ensure the watertight integrity of ships' hulls below the freeboard deck. The regulations take into account the potential hazards present in different zones and different seasons. The technical annex contains several additional safety measures concerning doors, freeing ports, hatchways and other items;

WHEREAS, the President of the Philippines ratified the Protocol on 23 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 to 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 1988 relating to the International Convention on Load Lines, 1966.

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. HSAcaE

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