Senator Christopher “Bong” Go on Wednesday, March 8 called on the government to hold the owner of the motor tanker that caused the oil spill in Oriental Mindoro accountable.
Go made the call as he expressed his concern for the health and safety of those affected by the oil spill caused by the sinking of the MT Princess Empress off Naujan town in Oriental Mindoro on February 28.
The motor tanker was carrying 800,000 liters of oil when it departed from Bataan en route to Iloilo with its 20 crew members. However, the vessel encountered engine trouble and rough sea condition, and caused it to sink in half.
Go said authorities should hold accountable those responsible for the incident.
As chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, the lawmaker stressed that the impact of the spill extends far beyond just the affected individuals.
He pointed out fish and other marine life could be contaminated by the oil, potentially harming anyone who consumes them and the ecosystem as a whole.
“Dapat po ay gawin ng gobyerno ang lahat. Hindi lang po ang mga kababayan natin ang apektado dito. ‘Yung mga isda, kakainin ‘yun, kung safe pa bang kainin ang mga isda (The government should do everything to resolve this. Not only are our compatriots affected here. Now it’s not safe to eat the fish we get there),” expressed Go.
Go also noted that the extent of the spill makes it difficult to clean up, requiring the involvement of entities with the necessary expertise and resources.
He said those who caused the oil spill should fund the clean-up, with the help of the government to make it faster.
He also urged the government to ensure resources are maximized for the cleanup effort, as well as to hold the responsible party accountable for their actions.
The affected towns in Oriental Mindoro include Naujan, Pola, Pinamalayan, Gloria, Basud, Bongabong, Roxas, Mansalay, and Bulalacao, according to a report from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.
Seventy six (76) barangays across the municipalities have also been declared under a state of calamity due to the damage caused by the oil spill.
Last March 4, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said the oil spill has reached the island town of Caluya in Antique. It was declared under a state of calamity on March 6.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has instructed the concerned agencies to monitor the situation and take all necessary measures to prevent the oil spill from spreading especially to tourist spots.