AS both Houses of Congress continue their investigation into the sinking of MV Trisha Kerstin 3 in Basilan, 1Tahanan Party-list Representative Nathan Oducado is urging fellow lawmakers to support measures aimed at improving the state of the maritime industry and its regulation.
“While it is clear that Aleson Shipping is at fault, this is a wake-up call as to the state of the country’s maritime transportation and the maritime industry as a whole,” said Cong. Oducado. He emphasized that the lack of competition in shipping and transportation means that suspensions, however warranted, can hinder the flow of goods and transportation between islands in the Philippines.
Following the sinking of one of its Ro-Ro passenger vessels off Basilan in January 2026, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) suspended the operations of Aleson Shipping Lines while safety audits and inspections are carried out by the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG). Oducado noted that while other shipping companies have been permitted to operate on the routes previously serviced by Aleson, there is a clear lack of operators with the capital and capability to adequately serve many of the areas where Aleson was active.
Oducado stressed the need to develop the maritime industry, modernize the fleet, and empower companies to invest in ferry and cargo operations, so that domestic trade and transportation are not held hostage by the suspension of a single company.
He highlighted his proposed bills, HB 2598, the Shipbuilding and Ship Repair Development Bill, and HB 2597, the Shipyard Industry Fiscal Incentives Bill, as measures to support the industry through research and development, institutional support, and fiscal incentives. Oducado argued that competition breeds innovation and motivates companies to deliver the best services, while a lack of competition can lead to complacency and negligence from both companies and regulators.
