THE Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) will soon enforce six out of eight policies issued by the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) that were earlier suspended by Malacañang to stave off a maritime transport strike by domestic shipowners.
The six memorandum circulars (MC) are the mandatory protection and indemnity policy; rules on life-saving appliances; accreditation of a single-class society; revised schedule on fines and penalties; suspension of certificate of public convenience; and compensation for survivors of sea accidents.
Two others — on vessel safety certificate and annual tonnage fee for domestic fishing vessels — will continue to be on hold with no firm implementation schedule.
The domestic shipowners earlier complained all the MCs would cost too much and did not go through public consultation.
DOTC undersecretary for maritime transport Gen. Thompson Lantion said meetings on the re-implementation of the MCs have already been conducted. The agency expects to receive position papers on the MCs from various shipping stakeholders before end of next week.
“We will find ways to implement the MCs within their (industry stakeholders’) comfort zone. Marina’s safety program continues… it’s just that there are additions being made in the MCs,” he explained.
Lantion said he is confident there will no longer be threat of a transport holiday since most shipping operators have agreed to sit down with the DOTC to take a look at the measures.
The suspended MCs were the subject of a heated debate between former Marina administrator Ma. Elena Bautista and the National Coalition of Shipping Associations. Apart from suspending the implementation of the MCs, Malacañang gave Bautista a new appointment — as chief of the Presidential Management Staff.
