REGIONAL
Advocates Philippines
House Joint Panel Discusses Resolutions On MT Princess Empress Oil Spill Incident
Photo credit: Congress PH
The House Committees on Ecology and on Natural Resources held a joint hearing on Tuesday to discuss the MT Princess Empress oil spill incident that occurred last February 28, off Naujan, Oriental Mindoro.
The hearing was held in response to House Resolutions 829 and 835 filed by the Committee on Natural Resources Chairperson and Cavite Rep. Elpidio Barzaga Jr. and Oriental Mindoro Rep. Alfonso Umali Jr., respectively.
During the hearing, the Committee on Ecology Chairperson and Biñan City Rep. Marlyn Alonte stated that the joint hearing aimed to investigate the cause of the oil spill, the government's response to such incidents, and the benefits of Republic Act 9483, also known as the "Oil Pollution Compensation Act of 2007."
During the hearing, Department of Justice (DOJ) Undersecretary Raul Vasquez confirmed that the MT Princess Empress was a refurbished vessel, and his department is preparing criminal, civil, and administrative cases against those involved in the incident.
Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commandant Admiral Artemio Abu revealed that the MT Princess Empress was allowed to sail after the vessel's management presented an amended Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC), presuming regularity.
However, Rep. Barzaga questioned the authenticity of the amended CPC purportedly issued by the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA).
MARINA Legal Service Director Sharon De Chavez-Aledo stated that her agency did not issue any approved or amended CPC.
Assistant Secretary for Maritime Julius Yano of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) supported Atty. Aledo's statement and confirmed that the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) based their decision to allow the vessel to sail on the questionable CPC.
Commandant Abu argued that the PCG does not have the capability to verify the authenticity of the documents.
Rep. Barzaga also noted that the reported 800,000 liters of industrial oil in MT Princess
was merely an assertion by the vessel's owner without any supporting evidence
According to PCG, the vessel was loaded with 991.984 metric tons of industrial fuel.
Mayor Jennifer Cruz of Pola, Oriental Mindoro, presented the panel with evidence of the continuing impact of the oil spill on their municipality, including the mangroves, fish sanctuaries, resorts, livelihoods, and coastal areas.
The PCG is currently conducting an investigation and clean-up and recovery operations to mitigate the effects of the oil spill on the environment. The panel will continue the investigation, requiring the vessel's owner and other key players to attend the hearing in person.
The hearing was held in response to House Resolutions 829 and 835 filed by the Committee on Natural Resources Chairperson and Cavite Rep. Elpidio Barzaga Jr. and Oriental Mindoro Rep. Alfonso Umali Jr., respectively.
During the hearing, the Committee on Ecology Chairperson and Biñan City Rep. Marlyn Alonte stated that the joint hearing aimed to investigate the cause of the oil spill, the government's response to such incidents, and the benefits of Republic Act 9483, also known as the "Oil Pollution Compensation Act of 2007."
During the hearing, Department of Justice (DOJ) Undersecretary Raul Vasquez confirmed that the MT Princess Empress was a refurbished vessel, and his department is preparing criminal, civil, and administrative cases against those involved in the incident.
Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commandant Admiral Artemio Abu revealed that the MT Princess Empress was allowed to sail after the vessel's management presented an amended Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC), presuming regularity.
However, Rep. Barzaga questioned the authenticity of the amended CPC purportedly issued by the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA).
MARINA Legal Service Director Sharon De Chavez-Aledo stated that her agency did not issue any approved or amended CPC.
Assistant Secretary for Maritime Julius Yano of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) supported Atty. Aledo's statement and confirmed that the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) based their decision to allow the vessel to sail on the questionable CPC.
Commandant Abu argued that the PCG does not have the capability to verify the authenticity of the documents.
Rep. Barzaga also noted that the reported 800,000 liters of industrial oil in MT Princess
was merely an assertion by the vessel's owner without any supporting evidence
According to PCG, the vessel was loaded with 991.984 metric tons of industrial fuel.
Mayor Jennifer Cruz of Pola, Oriental Mindoro, presented the panel with evidence of the continuing impact of the oil spill on their municipality, including the mangroves, fish sanctuaries, resorts, livelihoods, and coastal areas.
The PCG is currently conducting an investigation and clean-up and recovery operations to mitigate the effects of the oil spill on the environment. The panel will continue the investigation, requiring the vessel's owner and other key players to attend the hearing in person.
May 16, 2023
