Barge owners told to formalize appeal to lower P.5M fine

The shipping company that owns the barge that rammed the Mactan-Mandaue Bridge will be asked to formalize its appeal to lower the fine imposed by the bridge authority.

In a recent meeting of the Mactan Cebu Bridge Management Board, Governor Gwendolyn Garcia and members of the board agreed to invite Nick Pepito, one of the owners of Asian Shipping Corporation, to officially discuss their request.

Garcia revealed that Pepito is appealing for the reduction of the P500,000 fine recommended by the bridge board committee.

Pepito asked some committee members, who told him to try airing the company’s request to Garcia, the MCBMB chairwoman and presiding officer.  The board will be meeting next month.

“I want this clarified.  Lisud na,” Garcia said, adding that the board must decide on it and not just her.

“It must be transparent, through an official letter to the committee and not just to one person,” she added.

A report from the Maritime Police Office said the Asian Shipping Corp. barge L. Acuario 2, which was being towed in the morning of last April 6, hit pier 8 of the Mactan-Mandaue Bridge, close to the Lapu-Lapu City.

The barge carried cargo containers and was heading for Manila, and also hit a bollard of another ship while trying to maneuver through the channel.

The Department of Public Works and Highways assured that the incident will  not affect the structural integrity of the old bridge.

The erring shipping line had explained that abnormal water currents swept the barge sideways, causing the accident.

Last March 11, an oil tanker also hit one of the piers of the Mactan-Mandaue Bridge.  — Garry B. Lao/BRP