Stiff penalties for erring ship owners sought

MANILA, Philippines - A party-list congressman is seeking stiff penalties and fines for owners of passenger ships that ignore maritime safety measures resulting in recurring sea accidents across the country.

Rep. Vigor Mendoza II of the 1-Utak party-list group said he is drafting a bill that will provide the necessary penalties for erring ship owners.

“We want erring ship owners to be criminally liable for any sea accident that resulted in the death of people and loss of properties,” Mendoza said.

Mendoza expressed concern over the series of sea accidents where ship owners escaped criminal liabilities after insurance companies settled the damages. – Perseus Echeminada