The Senate has reopened the investigation into the massive oil spill caused by the sinking of MT Princess Empress in Mindoro during a hearing held by the Senate Committee on Environment, Natural Resources, and Climate Change.
This committee is also investigating the recent sinking of MT Terra Nova in Limay, Bataan, which occurred in July during the onslaught of Super Typhoon Carina.
Senator Francis Tolentino questioned the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on whether charges have been filed in connection with the Mindoro Oil Spill, which took place last year.
The company that chartered both MT Princess Empress and MT Terra Nova, SL Harbor Bulk Terminal Corp., is the same entity responsible for both incidents.
Senator Tolentino demanded to know if the owner of MT Princess Empress has been held accountable, given the thousands of fishermen affected and the extensive environmental damage caused by the months-long oil spill.
As the PCG could not provide a clear answer, Tolentino also directed the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to look into the matter.
According to the National Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC), 43,699 families were affected by the oil spill from MT Princess Empress, with damages amounting to ₱4.9 billion.
The tanker was carrying 900,000 liters of oil, which leaked into the waters of Batangas, Palawan, Oriental Mindoro, and Antique, causing widespread environmental harm.