Angkla: A maritime champion in Congress

Angkla: A maritime champion in Congress
BRENDA V. PIMENTEL April 10, 2019 https://www.manilatimes.net/angkla-a-maritime-champion-in-congress/537786/

One of the strengths of the Philippine maritime industry is having a voice in Congress through the party-list Angkla. It is indeed a unique opportunity for an archipelagic country to have in the legislature one who will champion the maritime agenda. In record time since Angkla, with its nominee Atty. Jesulito Manalo, took a seat in Congress, several maritime laws were passed. The enactment of the landmark law on the designation of a single maritime administration is attributed to the persistence of Angkla in resolving the overly extended issue of multi-agency implementation of the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Convention. Republic Act 10635, designating the Maritime Industry Authority as the single maritime administration, is that piece of legislation which attests to the solemn commitment of the Philippines to put in order the implementation of the STCW Convention.

Time and again, this writer laments government indifference to maritime concerns in this archipelago despite its immense marine resources, its being host to many water-based livelihood and economic activities and a home to thousands of seafarers. One wonders how sunrise industries like BPOs deserve much attention compared to an industry which defines the very essence of what it is to be a maritime country.

Nonetheless, there is a need to acknowledge past high-level maritime initiatives led by no less past Philippine presidents. President Ferdinand Marcos restructured the administration of the maritime industry with his issuance of Presidential Decree 474 creating the Marina, PD 505 reorganizing the port administration in the Philippines and several other maritime-related issuances. President Corazon Aquino’s Executive Order 125/EO 125-A further tried to rationalize maritime functions aimed at simplifying systems and processes by consolidating related activities into the minimum number of agencies. Pole-vaulting the maritime industry was a program advocated by then President Fidel Ramos highlighting the archipelagic character of the Philippines. The Strong Republic Nautical Highway is largely attributed to the leadersip of President Gloria Arroyo. President Benigno Aquino 3rd is acknolwdged for his pushing for the maritime legislative agenda which facilitated the enactment of RA 10635.

The projected outcomes of these Presidential issuances and directives, spread across five decades, require further legislative and programmatic amplification. Such leaves much to be expected from Congress and the agencies mandated to implement the maritime policies enunciated by the President.

Journey to Congress

Attempts in the past to get Congress to work on maritime legislation was often described as a sisyphean effort, endless and with no chance of success — until Angkla took a Congressional seat. Initially running on a platform to support the seafaring sector, Angkla has expanded its advocacy to cover the wider maritime industry.

Angkla has become a strong partner of maritime stakeholders not only in pursuing legislative concerns but more so in the exercise of Congressional oversight over the implementation of laws. Recourse in seeking the legislative intent of laws has become quite easy as there is one maritime mainstay in Congress. In maintaining high visibility during dialogues and discourses pertaining to maritime issues and concerns, Angkla has gained the unprecented support of the various stakeholders.
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Now a byword among maritime stakeholders, Angkla has built its own base of supporters who are trying to muster the votes to bring it back to Congress. And it is for good reason, the pending maritime bills need a champion, and for many Angkla has assumed that role.

Too, many believe this is the time for Angkla to get at least two seats in Congress!!