The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has ordered the dismissal of Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) Region 5 Director Jaime Bea over the sinking of the tanker Princess Empress, which led to a major oil spill in Oriental Mindoro and nearby areas in February 2023.
In a letter to Marina dated August 7, Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said that Bea was found guilty of grave misconduct, gross neglect of duty, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of service, holding him accountable for his role in the incident.
“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,” Bautista said.
He ordered Marina Administrator Sonia Malaluan to implement the dismissal immediately.
The investigation conducted by the DoTr revealed that Bea signed and approved the Certificate of Ownership and Certificate of Philippine Registry for M/TKR Princess Empress, violating established rules on the registration of trampers.
Bautista said that Bea failed to uphold the integrity of Marina’s processes, allowing Marina Regional Office V’s Engr. Joe Buban to process documents beyond his scope of duties.
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