Status of Implementation of the London Protocol 1996 in the Philippines

Abstract

International convention in order to protect marine environment originated from ocean dumping of wastes or other matters (London Convention) was drafted in 1972. It entered into force in 1975. It is the first global treaty to regulate ocean dumping of wastes. In 1996, the Contracting Parties of the London Convention adopted the London Protocol 1996 (LP) on the prevention of marine pollution by dumping of waste and other matters. It is an upgraded and more improved version ofthe LC and eventually replaces it. The Philippines is a signatory of the London Convention (LC) since 1975 and acceded the London Protocol 1996 on 09 May 2012. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is the sole agency mandated by the law to implement the regulation of LC and LP. As the implementation of the dumping regulation in the Philippines compared with other countries, there are still improvements that must be done in order to comply with the LC and LP. The purpose of this research is to identify barriers to the implementation of the LP in the Philippines by comparing the current situation of implementation of the contracting parties of LP. Keywords: London Protocol, London Convention, Ocean dumping, Wastes, Philippines