World · Philippines Bureau
Transportation chief pledges tougher enforcement on unsafe shipping operators
Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon has committed to implementing stricter penalties against maritime companies that breach safety regulations, following the devastating September 9 ferry disaster in Palawan that claimed 77 lives.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon announced Thursday that his department will intensify its crackdown on shipping firms failing to comply with maritime safety standards, citing the recent catastrophic ferry fire that killed dozens of passengers.
The Department of Transportation chief said he would convene with senior officials from the DOTr and its attached agencies to formulate and implement more stringent enforcement measures aimed at preventing similar maritime incidents in the future.
The vow comes in the aftermath of the September 9 ferry fire in Palawan, one of the deadliest maritime disasters in recent Philippine history. The tragedy has renewed scrutiny on safety compliance across the country's shipping industry and prompted calls for stricter regulatory oversight.
The department has not yet detailed the specific enforcement actions under consideration, though maritime safety advocates have long called for increased inspections, stiffer penalties for violations, and enhanced crew training requirements across Philippine-registered vessels.