Umali asks House to scrutinize laws on maritime accountability

By Billy Begas

Oriental Mindoro Rep. Alfonso Umali Jr. has filed a resolution seeking to determine the sufficiency of maritime laws and safety standards and other related measures to ensure accountability of sea carriers involved in maritime accidents.

“To ensure protection, public safety, and accountability, an investigation and scrutiny of our existing maritime laws, safety standards, and accountability measures relating to such incident is indispensable,” House Resolution 835 read.

Umali filed the resolution in relation to the recent capsizing of the oil tanker vessel, MT Princess Empress, which occurred last February 28 off the coast of Oriental Mindoro.

“As a consequence, the oil spilled in the waters putting at risk numerous marine protected areas and affecting the livelihood of thousands of families and fisherfolks and the health of the general citizenry of Oriental Mindoro,” the resolution said.