The captain of the sunken MB Aya Express in Binangonan, Rizal admitted that he bribed the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) crew to allow him to voyage despite the boat being overloaded.
During the hearing of the Committee on Public Services on Tuesday, MB Aya Express captain Donald Anain admitted that he gave a ₱100 worth of bananas to the PCG assigned in Binanongan, Rizal.
Anain called the bribe as "pampangiti" or goods that can make the PCG crew smile in exchange of favors.
"Pampangiti lang... Magdadala ka ng kahit ano. Honestly, may nauna pa sa akin.. Bumili lang ako ng 100 pesos na saging, ayun lang," he said.
The MB Aya Express captain also revealed that prior to his trip, there is usually money involved.
"Fifty pesos na money, Sir, pang-meryenda [ng PCG crew]," Anain said.
But he denied that he bribed the Coast Guard with alcoholic beverages.
Anain also admitted that he has no valid license, but said he has a seaferer identification book (SIB) issued by Maritime Industry Authority (Marina).
"Hino-honored po [ang SIB], hino-honored naman ng Coast Guard na maglayag kami. Pinapayagan naman kami," he said when asked how he was able to voyage without a license.
MB Aya Express capsized at the waters of Laguna De Bay in Binangonan, Rizal during Typhoon Egay's onslaught on July 27.
Twenty-seven passengers, who got drowned, perished.
Based on authorities' investigation, the motorbanca carried 70 passengers, exceeding the limit of 42 seats. PCG earlier said that MB Aya Express' captain only manifested 22 passengers and three crew members.
Anain is facing charges of reckless imprudence, which resulted in multiple homicides and numerous physical injuries, as well as negligence.
He is presently under the custody of the police.
