SENATE Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano supports the Philippines’ accession to the International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue (SAR), a global agreement that aims to strengthen cooperation and coordination in rescuing people in distress at sea.
Cayetano was earlier made co-sponsor and co-author of Proposed Senate Resolution No. 643, under Committee Report No. 98, which seeks Senate concurrence in the country’s accession to the 1979 SAR Convention.
The Minority Leader said stronger regulations and coordinated systems are essential to keeping people safe, particularly in emergencies at sea.
“Obligasyon po natin to keep the people safe and the best way to do that is walang papalusutin pagdating sa regulation,” Cayetano said.
The 1979 SAR Convention seeks to establish a coordinated search-and-rescue system among countries, including defined Search and Rescue Regions and 24-hour Rescue Coordination Centers.
It also requires countries to assist people in distress at sea regardless of nationality or status and promotes cooperation among neighboring countries during maritime emergencies.
The agreement further establishes standardized emergency phases, including the Uncertainty Phase, Alert Phase, and Distress Phase, to guide countries in responding to maritime incidents.
The Philippines, being a Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration Champion Country (GCM), should always be at the forefront in the protection of sea-based OFWs.
Accession to this treaty would strengthen the country’s commitment to keeping Filipino seafarers and other people at sea safe, particularly during maritime emergencies.
Cayetano also highlighted the important role of Filipino seafarers, who contribute significantly to the country’s economy.
“OFWs are all over the world. Sabihin mo kung saan may opportunity, nandiyan ang Pilipino. At pag nandiyan ang Pilipino, kitang kita ang Philippine excellence. I praise God for you, ating mga OFWs who keep our economy alive especially during hard times,” he said.
