GSMH Law Hosts “Fairer Seas: Dialogue Towards Equitable Regulations”

On November 23, 2022, GSMH Law together with the Philippine Physicians’ Diagnostic Services Center Inc. (PDSC) and in partnership with Pandiman Philippines, Inc. hosted Fairer Seas: Dialogue Toward Equitable Regulations at the Samar Room of Sofitel Plaza.?

The Fairer Seas event was spearheaded by GSMH Law in efforts to connect the stakeholders of the maritime industry with the officials of the newly established Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).

The event was headlined by the attendance of newly appointed DMW Secretary Susan “Toots” V. Ople (Sec. Ople) together with her Assistant Secretary for Land-Based Services Jerome A. Alcantara (Asec. Alcantara) and her Assistant Secretary for Sea-Based Services Jerome T. Pampolina (Asec. Pampolina).

Fairer Seas brought together over 100 guests from the maritime industry, including ship-owners, organizations, ship management companies, and relevant stakeholders. The event highlighted the importance of the maritime industry and seafarers for the country.

DMW’s Asec for Sea-Based Services, Asec. Pampolina, a member of the Philippine Bar Association and a member of the Maritime Lawyers Association, headed the dialogue with a walkthrough of the current problems of the maritime industry and a glimpse of how the Department is working to resolve them. Asec. Pampolina’s message of reform stood in the spotlight as he introduced plans of reform for the rules and regulations surrounding sea-based concerns.?

As a representative of the maritime industry, Captain Andrew Malpass, the current president of Pandiman Inc, discussed the current situation of the Philippine Maritime Industry and the hopes of the industry stakeholders for a better future. In order to achieve better economic and social outcomes, Captain Malpass expressed the intention of stakeholders to coordinate and cooperate with the current administration.

Asec. Alcantara spoke on behalf of Sec. Ople and expressed the vision of DMW in creating a more sustainable economic cooperation with the industry stakeholders. Furthermore, Asec. Alcantara conveyed their appreciation with the very active participation of the industry stakeholders to provide for the betterment of the maritime industry in the Philippines.

Atty. Michael P. Mejia, GSMH’s managing partner, concluded the night with a message of collaboration, camaraderie and cooperation. As the head of the fastest-growing law firm in the country, he expressed his commitment and guarantee that GSMH is one with PDSC, Pandiman, and the Department of Migrant Workers in ensuring that our seafarers and stakeholders meet the Fairer Seas they deserve.?

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