Jejomar Binay News

Philippine Vice President Jejomar Binay, considered a front-runner for the presidency in 2016, said on Thursday he would welcome a joint venture with China to explore for oil and gas in disputed areas of the South China Sea. Binay's stance is in contrast to President Benigno Aquino, who has opposed business partnerships with China in territory claimed by both countries. China claims most of the potentially energy-rich South China Sea, and its recent rapid land reclamation around seven reefs in the Spratly archipelago has alarmed the Philippines, Vietnam and other claimants.

"Germany and the EU cannot possibly have world-class efficient commercial ships manned by Filipinos today, and world-class efficient ships without Filipinos onboard tomorrow", said Vice President of the Philippines Jejomar Binay at a Maritime Round Table held at the Head Offices of Classification Society Germanischer Lloyd (GL) recently. One of the most critical factors to ensuring safety at sea is the human element, without an able and experienced crew and officers the most modern and well designed vessel cannot promise safety. Filipino seafarers are at the heart of the maritime industry, making up almost one third of working seamen on trading vessels.