Ang lumubog na MT Princess Empress.
THE Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) is investigating several personnel for possible administrative liability in relation to the incident involving MTkr Princess Empress on the basis of the investigation report of the fact-finding team previously constituted by the agency.
The report was forwarded to the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and to the MARINA Anti-Graft and Corruption Committee.
This is following the revocation by MARINA-National Capital Region of the Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC) of RDC Reield Marine Services, Inc. (RDC), the shipping company that owns and operates the MT Princess Empress, the tanker that has caused a massive oil spill in Oriental Mindoro and nearby areas.
During a media briefing on Friday, MARINA Spokesperson and Legal Service Director Atty. Sharon Aledo said the maritime authority is now in the process of investigating personnel for alleged administrative violations in the issuance of related statutory certificates to MT Princess Empress.
“We will look into the alleged violations, pagdating po doon sa naging construction niya hanggang sa issuance po ng statutory certificates including registration and safety certificates and it will follow a process,” said Aledo.
The agency added that if the RDC fails to appeal within 15 days from the May 11 revocation, the decision becomes final and immediately executory, which means “magiging final po ‘yung revocation ng CPC,” Aledo explained.
Aledo said the shipping company still cannot operate as the cease-and-desist order is in effect, adding that aside from CPC revocation, RDC will be slapped with P100,000 fine once the decision is final and executory, for operating without the necessary authority to operate.
The MARINA investigation is in accordance with Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista’s directive of accountability, with the Department’s policy of zero tolerance to shortcuts, official negligence, and disregard of rules.
