Sunday, July 13, 2008 Marina creates audit team to probe allegations vs. vessel inspectors
AN audit team has been created to audit the tasks of Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) inspectors, policies of shipping companies and the state of their vessels, amid allegations that some of the agency’s personnel in Central Visayas are in the payroll of these firms.
Marina Administrator Vicente Suazo Jr. said the audit, which he created, will determine who among the inspectors are remiss in their jobs.
In a press conference yesterday, Suazo bared the creation of the audit team to clarify that he has never made any conclusion or judgment regarding the allegations involving the inspectors.
Suazo, however, admitted that he got reports about the matter but told those people who sent him the reports to justify their claims and file a formal complaint.
Proof needed
He said that due to the lack of evidence, he can hardly investigate reports that there are personnel from his agency who are victimizing the shipping companies and the public.
“I always believe that we have to seek the truth before we pass judgment on others. What I remembered is that I was asked if I heard those allegations against the officials of Marina 7.”
“What I said was that these issues or allegations were already brought to my attention but unless we are given official complaints with proof or evidence, those allegations are mere hearsay, speculations and uncorroborated statement which don’t amount to anything much,” Suazo said.
He said that as early as last year, he already told Marina 7 Director Glenn Cabañez to look into the allegations that some personnel in Central Visayas are reportedly involved in illegal activities.
“I urge all concerned to report any corruption committed by Marina personnel so they can be prosecuted. It is unfair to issue sweeping accusations because there are other people in Marina who are religiously performing their job,” Suazo said.
Meanwhile, Suazo clarified the reports that if maritime laws were to be followed strictly, no vessel owned by shipping lines in Central Visayas would be allowed to sail because of numerous defects.
“The truth is that Marina sees to it that all maritime laws are followed strictly. However, we are also in the process of implementing updated rules and regulations which need to be imposed on all ships. But we can’t do it all at the same time as none of the vessels would be able to sail,” Suazo said.
Per vessel
He added that Marina cannot implement all its policies in one setting because by doing so, they have to ground all the vessels.
“So, what I am trying to say is that we have to do it by vessel (by vessel),” Suazo said.
Suazo added that their intention is to let shipping lines comply with all the policies because Marina and the Philippine Coast Guard are government agencies that are supposed to assist the shipping companies in being able to do business properly and to transport both cargoes and passengers safely.
“Marina is coming up with policies, rules and regulations, and safety standards, among others that they have to follow. They have to put it in their hearts and in their minds and not take things for granted,” Suazo said. (EOB)
