Philippines: Appeal to MARINA to Reconsider its Decision on Trans-Asia Shipping Line’s Vessels

Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia has made an appeal with Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) to reconsider its earlier decision to ground all the vessels of Cebu-based Trans-Asia Shipping Lines, a move which she described as “drastic” and which “violates due process.”

“We appeal to Marina to consider the consequences of its action, which I find rather drastic,” said Garcia as she echoed the call of the shipping industry in Cebu in support of Trans-Asia.

Garcia said Republic Act 9295 assures due process and suspension of vessels comes only after a hearing is conducted and proper investigation is made. Marina suspended eight vessels of Trans-Asia following the sinking of M/V Asia Malaysia in Ajuy, Iloilo after encountering strong winds and huge waves while sailing from Cebu City to Iloilo City last July 31.

The vessel, which has been swept by strong currents in the vicinity of Manapla, Negros Occidental, has started to leak oil into the Visayan Sea last Wednesday.

Garcia said Marina suspended Trans-Asia’s vessels before conducting its investigation. She said Marina can investigate the incident without having to suspend all of the shipping firm’s vessels.

“It seems that the cart comes first before the horse. The move will surely dislocate a lot of passengers because those vessels are plying set routes,” Garcia said.

Last Wednesday morning, Marina officials were on board the M/V Trans-Asia 5 for inspection when a fire broke out at the cargo area of M/V Trans-Asia 2 which was docked at Cebu port.

Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) station commander Chief Rolando Punzalan said the fire broke out at around 10 a..m. and was placed under control after 15 minutes. Punzalan said a lighted cigarette may have caused the fire after it was carelessly thrown on one of the cargoes, but this still has to be confirmed. He stressed, though, that the incident at M/V Trans-Asia 2 was an isolated case.

By MARS W. MOSQUEDA JR.(ManilaBulletin)

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Source: ManilaBulletin, August 4, 2011; Image: Trans-Asia Shipping Line