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The Department of Transportation upheld the dismissal of two Maritime Industry Authority Region V officials for their role in the sinking of the motor tanker Princess Empress in February 2023
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The incident resulted in a major oil spill that impacted Oriental Mindoro and nearby areas
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DOTr said MARINA Region V Director Jaime Bea and Engr. Jose B. Buban were guilty of grave misconduct, gross neglect of duty, and conduct prejudicial to the best interests of the service
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Transportation Secretary Jaime J. Bautista instructed MARINA administrator Sonia Malaluan to enforce the decision immediately
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) upheld the dismissal of two Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) Region V officials, Director Jaime Bea and Engr. Jose B. Buban, for their role in the sinking of the motor tanker (MT) Princess Empress in February 2023.
The incident resulted in a major oil spill that affected Oriental Mindoro and surrounding areas.
DOTr said Bea and Buban were guilty of grave misconduct, gross neglect of duty, and conduct prejudicial to the best interests of the service.
“The MARINA officials’ actions ultimately caused millions of pesos of damage to government and private stakeholders. It also tarnished the image and integrity of the country’s maritime administration and transportation system,” the transport department said in a statement.
Transportation Secretary Jaime J. Bautista said, “We have had sinkings before but no one has been held to account. This time all parties, whether private or public, will be held accountable. There will be no exception.”
“Our policy is zero tolerance to shortcuts, official negligence and disregard of rules. The rule of law, good governance and best practices must prevail throughout the department and its agencies,” the transport chief added.
Bautista instructed MARINA administrator Sonia Malaluan to enforce the decision immediately.
The MT Princess Empress, carrying 900,000 liters of industrial oil, sank off Naujan, Oriental Mindoro, on February 28, 2023, due to rough seas.
Recovery operations were completed in June 2023.
