ATTY. BRENDA V. PIMENTEL
One issue which the Philippine maritime industry continuously face is the implementation of maritime conventions. It is disturbing enough that this archipelago takes decades before ratifying a convention, but more appalling is the propensity to defer implementation through national legislation. The extensive maritime conventions adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) provide a slew of technical regulations and standards which govern international shipping. Upon entering into force, these conventions become binding on state parties and non-state parties alike.