Tolentino leads probe on WPS collision
SEN. Francis Tolentino conducted an investigation on the collision at the Bajo de Masinloc on the West Philippine Sea on October 12.
Tolentino, chair of the Special Committee on Philippine Maritime and Specialty Zones, said the committee will also hear Senate Bill Nos. 78, 462, 1490, 2395 and 2438, which seek to establish the Archipelagic Sea Lanes in the country’s archipelagic waters.
The SBs are authored by Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III and Sens. Jinggoy Estrada, Ramon Bong Revilla, Win Gatchalian and Raffy Tulfo.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said Pacific Anna, a commercial crude tanker, rammed FV Dearyn, a Filipino fishing vessel, while preparing to fish around 4:40 a.m. on October 2, 2023.
Department of Foreign Affairs Sec. Enrique Manalo, who attended the hearing of the Special Committee on Philippine Maritime and Admiralty Zone, presented the DFA’s position on bills calling for the establishment of archipelagic sea lanes in the Philippines’ archipelagic waters.
Manalo said the passage of an archipelagic sea lanes law would have “significant national security, diplomatic and practical implications” for the Philippines, being one of the largest archipelagic states in the world.
Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel Jr. advises concerned government agencies to make a direct appeal to the owner of crude oil tanker Pacific Anna to compensate the Filipino fishermen who were either killed or traumatized by the brutal collision.
“Does international law prevent a state or a vessel from just compromising and speeding up everything? I hope we won’t be too legalistic when it comes to this.
Actually, if the victims are entitled to compensation, international law does not prevent paying the entire amount or paying an initial amount,” Pimentel said.
Pimentel pointed out that appealing to the government of Marshall Islands, who is a Philippine friend and ally, would get faster compensation for the victims.
Sen. Robinhood Padilla said the families of the victims could not understand legal terms like what are stated in the United Nations’ Convention on the Law of the Sea as he urged all government agencies not to focus on the legalistic side and simplify matters that will help the fishermen.
