Sunday, July 06, 2008 Franchise for ships proposed
TO BETTER ensure the safety, security and welfare of the public, a Cebu City legislator is asking Congress to consider granting a legislative franchise to public utilities, including shipping firms.
City Councilor Edgardo Labella said that instead of just a permit from the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) to operate sea routes, shipping firms should also get a congressional franchise.
This way, regulations and guidelines will be meticulously scrutinized and clearly defined for better service, and a clear set of sanctions will be put in place, he added.
Since congressmen and senators will go over applications, the seaworthiness of vessels and competence of crew and officers will also be well-looked into.
Labella, who survived the sinking of mv Princess of the Orient in 1998, said “an increasing number of concerned citizens nationwide…are baffled why the Marina…has not made a huge dent in the promotion and protection of public safety in the maritime transportation system.”
This is a concern, he said, because “the maritime industry is responsible for shipping around 80 percent of the people and cargoes within the Philippine territorial waters.”
A legislative franchise, he said, will contain conditions, including how it is granted, to whom it may be granted, the mode of conducting business, the charter, and the quality of service to be rendered, and the duties of the grantee.
This is embodied under Section 11, Article 12 of the Constitution, which empowers Congress to enact measures to grant legislative franchises for utility operations.
‘Lamentable’
Labella was one of the passengers when the Cebu-bound mv Princess of the Orient sank off Cavite on Sept. 18, 1998. Oil-drenched and dehydrated, Labella stayed afloat for no less than 34 hours.
He was luckier, still, compared to the 150 passengers who perished in the tragedy.
Last June 21, the mv Princess of the Stars capsized after being battered by big waves in the midst of typhoon Frank off Sibuyan Island in Romblon.
“There are no apt words to describe the tremendous pain being borne by the families, relatives and friends left behind by the unfortunate passengers who perished or went missing,” Labella said in the proposed measure.
And while an inquiry is ongoing, he said: “It cannot be glossed over that the said lamentable sea accident once again punctuates the fact on the imperative need to come up with an appropriate regulatory measure governing the said vital public utility.” (RHM)
