Ph re-elected to Int’l Maritime Council Category C

The Philippines has been re-elected to the council of the United Nations’ International Maritime Organization in charge of maritime safety, security and environment protection. The Philippines obtained 124 out of 160 votes on December 1 under Category C, placing 13th among 20 elected IMO member-states under the said category.

Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) said the Philippines’ obtaining a higher position is attributed to the ‘strong and progressive image of the Philippines’ under the leadership of President Rodrigo Duterte and ‘the good reputation of Filipino seafarers to worldwide maritime operations’.

‘The Philippines winning a slot in this prestigious international maritime Council is not only a victory for the DOTr, but a victory for Filipino seafarers, the entire Philippines, and for all of us Filipinos,’ said Marina in a statement.

Category A are states with the largest interest in providing international shipping services while Category B are those with the largest interest in international seaborne trade. Category C meanwhile are states not elected under A or B, which 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.