Ship owners pressure gov’t vs tight rules

The National Coalition of Shipping Associations is threatening to go on strike if Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) head Ma. Elena H. Bautista continues to set rules “detrimental” to the industry. In a letter to the Transportation department, the group said that “while we recognize the intent to effect strict safety measures in the shipping industry, these circulars are now being issued and effective with little or no consultation with the shipping sector.”