RP re-elected to IMO

The Philippines was re-elected as member of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the highest governing body on international maritime concerns.

Transportation Secretary Leandro Mendoza announced yesterday that the country was again elected member of the IMO Council’s Category C during its 25th biennial assembly in London, England last Nov. 23.

The Philippines ranked fourth among 27 candidates that got the most votes from among IMO’s 112 member-countries.

In 2005, the Philippines ranked sixth with 104 country votes.

IMO is the United Nations’ specialized agency tasked to oversee safety and security of international shipping and the prevention of marine pollution by ships.

The Philippines cited its vast interest on maritime manpower and archipelagic geography as it bid for the council seat. – Rainier Allan Ronda