Raps eyed vs MARINA personnel over sunken tanker

MANILA, Philippines — Several personnel of the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) might be held liable for allowing the sunken motor tanker Princess Empress to sail without a permit to operate.

In a statement, Secretary Jaime Bautista said the Department of Transportation (DOTr) is looking into the culpability of MARINA personnel in connection with the sinking of Princess Empress.

“We have had sinkings before but no one has been held to account. This time, all parties, whether private or public, will be held accountable. There will be no exception,” Bautista said.

MARINA, for its part, said it “fully supports” DOTr’s position.

“Which was why a fact-finding investigation was conducted to find out if any of its personnel were responsible,” MARINA legal services chief Sharon Aledo said.

She said the anti-graft and corruption committee of the agency is conducting a preliminary investigation and issuing show-cause orders to personnel ”who may be involved in this particular matter.”

Aledo gave assurance that the agency would look into violations on the issuance of registration and safety certificates to Princess Empress.

Meanwhile, MARINA revoked the certificate of public convenience (CPC) issued to RDC Reield Marine Services, Inc., the owner of the sunken vessel.

It said there was no amendment to the shipping company’s CDC that would have allowed the tanker to sail.

The shipping company may appeal the decision 15 days after the revocation order was issued.