Inquiry, sanctions sought on MV tragedy

CEBU CITY, Philippines - National and local government officials Monday called for an immediate investigation into the sinking of the MV Princess of the Stars as well as sanctions for those parties responsible for the tragedy.

Parañaque Representative Roilo Golez said the Philippine Coast Guard should constitute an independent Board of Marine Inquiry to look into the incident. He also said he will push a similar inquiry by the House committee on transportation once Congress resumes sessions.

For his part, Cebu City Councilor and Transportation Committee chairman Sylvan “Jack” Jakosalem said he hopes the Arroyo administration would impose severe penalties on the agencies that allowed the MV Princess of the Stars to proceed to Cebu despite stormy weather.

Golez, who visited Mandaue City Hall on Monday, said one of the issues to be looked into is the possibility of changing the guidelines by the Philippine Coast Guard in issuing ferry clearances during bad weather.

“We cannot just blame the Coast Guard because (it) was just basing their clearance on the advisory of the PAGASA (weather agency). We should not blame anyone yet,” said Golez, a former deputy administrator of the Maritime Industry Administration.

He said the victims and their families deserve a credible investigation that won’t spare anyone.

“Even if there is clearance from the Coast Guard, the captain always has the last say whether he would sail or not considering the comfort of the passengers especially if there would be big waves,” Golez told reporters.

He said he would invite Cebuano lawmakers to represent the victims and their relatives on the House investigation.

The legislator said he hopes Congress would move to upgrade PAGASA’s facilities to enable them to make more accurate weather forecasts.

Jakosalem later said it was very clear that PAGASA classified Romblon under typhoon signal number 3 but the Coast Guard still allowed the boat to leave.

The councilor said he estimates that 90 percent of the vessel's passengers are Cebuanos, thus provoking outrage among Cebuanos over the tragedy.