Gordon opposes gov’t takeover of Sulpicio Lines
Sen. Richard Gordon opposed yesterday the proposed government takeover of Sulpicio Shipping Lines, saying it is a wrong signal that can create adverse repercussions on the economy.
Gordon, who is the chairman of the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC), however, supported the government’s investigation into the sinking of Sulpicio Lines’ MV Princess of the Stars to determine the culpability of the shipping firm and other groups.
The Board of Marine Inquiry must be allowed to conduct its own probe on the sinking of MV Princess of the Stars in Sibuyan Sea in Romblon at the height of super typhoon "Frank" on June 21 that cost the lives of more than 800 passengers and crew of the ship, he said.
Speaking at the regular Monday "Kapihan sa Maynila" held at the historic landmark Manila Hotel, the senator from Zambales and Olongapo City said that it was a case of "force majeure" and the shipping firm must not be entirely blamed for the tragic sea mishap.
Gordon noted the observation of some of the surviving passengers that the ship captain and its crew maneuvered the ill-fated ship toward the shallow waters of Romblon coastline some 500 to 2,000 meters from the shoreline just to bring the ship to safety but strong winds caused the ship to run aground and it eventually overturned.
He also blamed the lack of fast craft rescue vessels of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) that can launch a rapid rescue assistance to ships in distress even in the high seas during turbulent weather. He pledged to recommend for a higher budget to upgrade PCG rescue capability.
The PCG urgently needs fast and stronger cutters, modern sea-ports communication linkage and highly trained and prepared personnel to man their assigned posts during and even in the early stage of warning of a forthcoming weather disturbance, he stressed.
Gordon, also sought the assistance of two giant communication networks Smart and Globe to find a ways to put signals on all "dead spot" along the country’s shipping and navigational routes "which is of utmost urgency."
He cited the management of Sulpicio Lines for its immediate compliance to his request to use one of its cargo ships to transport urgently needed relief food, water and medical and other humanitarian emergency supplies to Iloilo.
However, this act of humanitarian concern of the shipping firm does not acquit the firm from any liabilities in case the government’s marines inquiry body would find Sulpicio guilty of any lapses on the tragedy. By ROY C. SINFUEGO - Manila Bulletin
Gordon, who is the chairman of the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC), however, supported the government’s investigation into the sinking of Sulpicio Lines’ MV Princess of the Stars to determine the culpability of the shipping firm and other groups.
The Board of Marine Inquiry must be allowed to conduct its own probe on the sinking of MV Princess of the Stars in Sibuyan Sea in Romblon at the height of super typhoon "Frank" on June 21 that cost the lives of more than 800 passengers and crew of the ship, he said.
Speaking at the regular Monday "Kapihan sa Maynila" held at the historic landmark Manila Hotel, the senator from Zambales and Olongapo City said that it was a case of "force majeure" and the shipping firm must not be entirely blamed for the tragic sea mishap.
Gordon noted the observation of some of the surviving passengers that the ship captain and its crew maneuvered the ill-fated ship toward the shallow waters of Romblon coastline some 500 to 2,000 meters from the shoreline just to bring the ship to safety but strong winds caused the ship to run aground and it eventually overturned.
He also blamed the lack of fast craft rescue vessels of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) that can launch a rapid rescue assistance to ships in distress even in the high seas during turbulent weather. He pledged to recommend for a higher budget to upgrade PCG rescue capability.
The PCG urgently needs fast and stronger cutters, modern sea-ports communication linkage and highly trained and prepared personnel to man their assigned posts during and even in the early stage of warning of a forthcoming weather disturbance, he stressed.
Gordon, also sought the assistance of two giant communication networks Smart and Globe to find a ways to put signals on all "dead spot" along the country’s shipping and navigational routes "which is of utmost urgency."
He cited the management of Sulpicio Lines for its immediate compliance to his request to use one of its cargo ships to transport urgently needed relief food, water and medical and other humanitarian emergency supplies to Iloilo.
However, this act of humanitarian concern of the shipping firm does not acquit the firm from any liabilities in case the government’s marines inquiry body would find Sulpicio guilty of any lapses on the tragedy. By ROY C. SINFUEGO - Manila Bulletin
Labels: pnrc, Princess, safety, Sen. Richard Gordon, supicio
posted by OlongapoCity Zambales at
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