Based on the fact-finding team’s report, several staff members are now under investigation for possible administrative liability with regard to the incident that involved the MT Princess Empress and caused a massive oil spill in Oriental Mindoro and nearby areas.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the MARINA Anti-Graft and Corruption Committee already received the report after the revocation by the shipping company, the MARINA-NNational Capital Region, of the Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC) of RDC Reield Marine Services, Inc. (RDC), which owns and operates the MT Princess Empress.

According to MARINA spokesperson and Legal Service Director Sharon Aledo during a press briefing on Friday, the maritime authority is investigating staff for alleged administrative irregularities in the issue of associated statutory certificates to MT Princess Empress.

Aledo stated that they will investigate the alleged infractions, beginning with the construction and ending with the granting of statutory certifications, which include registration and safety certificates, and that they will follow a process.

She further explained that the RDC is given 15 days to appeal; if they fail, the decision becomes final and will be immediately executory.

The shipping firm cannot operate while the cease-and-desist order is in place, according to Aledo, who also stated that, in addition to the CPC revocation, RDC will be fined PHP 100,000 once the decision is final and executory for operating without the proper authority.

Meanwhile, the MARINA probe is in accordance with Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista's accountability instructions as well as the DOT's policy of zero tolerance for shortcuts, official carelessness, and rule violations.