GMA shelves new Marina guidelines

MANILA, Philippines - Shipping company associations called off yesterday their planned shipping holiday this Monday after President Arroyo issued an order to defer the implementation of several new guidelines issued by the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) late last year to improve maritime safety.

Christopher Pastrana, president of the Philippine Roro Operators Association (PROA) and spokesman for a coalition of shipping operators, said that they have deferred the scheduled protest action after the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) had reportedly initiated a process to defer implementation of the controversial Marina memorandum circulars they have been opposing and questioning over the past weeks.

Pastrana said that DOTC Undersecretary for Maritime Transport Thompson Lantion has advised them that Secretary Leandro Mendoza was already finalizing a letter of instruction to defer the memorandum circulars.

“Pursuant to this, our action on March 1, 2010 is deferred,” Pastrana said in a statement sent through text message to DOTC reporters.

Lantion hailed the PROA move calling off their shipping holiday, as well as the government call for dialogues and consultations regarding the Marina memorandum circulars.

He also brushed aside concerns raised by certain sectors that the deferment of implementation of the new Marina guidelines showed government buckling down to pressure from the shipping industry lobby groups.

“We are not bowing down. This is a win-win solution,” Lantion told The STAR.

Lantion defended the DOTC’s move to defer implementation of the Marina guidelines, saying it averted the shipping holiday that could cripple the economy.

He said that the deferment does not mean that the Marina guidelines would be cancelled, and that the time during which it would be deferred would be used for consultations and clarifications between industry and Marina.

PROA and its allied shipping associations had called for the ouster of Marina administrator Elena Bautista and the scrapping of the new maritime safety guidelines she issued at the end of 2009.

Bautista had earlier vowed to push through with the implementation of the maritime safety guidelines such as a requirement for shipping companies to have snap-on life jackets and hike their protection and indemnity (P&I) insurance coverage.

She said that the policy guidelines were made to protect the interests of the riding public.

Bautista said that as a regulatory agency, they have a duty to implement such guidelines despite the opposition of shipping companies and their personnel.

“As a regulator, we also need to put in the interest of Juan de la Cruz, the passengers of these maritime vessels, the riding public and not only listen to the shipping companies who we’re supposed to regulate,” Bautista earlier said.

Bautista had threatened to suspend ship owners’ franchises or certificates of public convenience if they proceed with the maritime holiday.