The Philippine Inter-Island Shipping Association Inc. (PISA) has filed a petition for a Writ for Certiorari and Prohibition against the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) before the Manila Regional Trial Court.
The group seeks to challenge MARINA’s recent advisories, which they claim violate domestic maritime laws and international safety standards.
The petition includes a plea for a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) and a Writ of Preliminary Injunction to halt the implementation of MARINA Advisory Nos. 2023-18, 2023-28, and 2025-01.
PISA strongly opposes these advisories, arguing that only certified and classified passenger vessels should be allowed to transport people, as outlined in Section 8 of MARINA Circular 2003-007 and the Domestic Shipping Development Act of 2004.
They contend that Landing Craft Tanks (LCTs), which are currently being used to carry passengers, are not equipped with the necessary safety features and should be limited to transporting cargo and vehicles.
Furthermore, the group insists that LCTs do not meet the technical standards required for passenger transport, including lifesaving equipment and emergency preparedness measures.
According to the petition, the lack of compliance poses serious risks to passenger safety and threatens the overall integrity of the domestic shipping industry.
As a result, PISA is urging the court to issue the TRO and Writ of Preliminary Injunction to prevent what they describe as a dangerous and unlawful policy implementation.