Opening Statement of Senator Cynthia Villar during the
Public Hearing/Inquiry, In Aid of Legislation On the Oil Spill From M/T Terra Nova In Limay, Bataan
17 September 2024 (Tuesday), 10:00 a.m.
Sen. Pecson Room, 2nd Floor Senate of the Philippines

Again, good morning everyone.

This is the Committee's second hearing on Proposed Senate Resolution No. 1084 directing this Committee to conduct an inquiry, in aid of legislation, on the oil spill from M/T Terra Nova in Limay, Bataan on July 25, 2024, which is detrimental to the marine ecosystem, biodiversity, health, food security, and livelihood of the people in affected areas, filed by Senator Francis "Tol" N. Tolentino. Related to this incident is the capsizing of MT Jason Bradley and MV Mirola 1. Subpoenas were issued to the owners of M/Tkr Jason Bradley, Mr. Romnick Ponestas, and MV Mirola 1, Ms. Mary Jane Ubaldo, to require their presence in today's hearing.

To recap, during our first public hearing held a month ago on August 14, 2024, the Committee asked to be enlightened as to the cause of the oil spill. Commandant Admiral Gavan and Captain Marfil gave an overview on the incident and their strategies. MARINA, through Administrator Malaluan, gave a report on MT Terranova's vessel documents, and the actions that MARINA has taken. Both PCG and MARINA could not explain in detail the cause of the incident because their joint investigation was still on-going then and would take six months to complete. However, they committed to submit to the Committee a preliminary report for today's hearing.

On other hand, NBI, who was conducting a parallel investigation, has committed to submit a progress report within two weeks.

In addition, the Committee also asked about the impact of the oil spill and the relief efforts to the communities greatly affected. In response:

1. The DENR, through Secretary Loyzaga, and the EMB, through Director Caancan, reported on their incident command system, water quality and air quality assessment, biodiversity management, and initial mitigation measures, which include the placement of oil spill booms.

2. The DA-BFAR, though Assistant Director Atty. Encarnacion, reported on the effects of the oil spill on the fisheries based on sensory evaluation.

3. The DOLE, through Secretary Laguesma, reported on the assistance given to residents affected by the oil spill through its emergency employment program or the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) program in Bataan, Cavite, Bulacan, Pampanga, and Tarlac.

4. The DSWD, through Undersecretary Cajipe, reported on the progress of its distribution of family food packs and financial assistance in Bataan and Cavite.

5. The DOTr, through Undersecretary Sarmiento, explained about the Oil Tanker Pollution Coordination Committee, where all claims relative to oil pollution damage under Republic Act 9843, or the Oil Compensation Act shall be coordinated.

7. The DND-OCD, through Director Idio, manifested that it ensures the application of the whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach in addressing concerns, not only for the oil spill incident, but also for other disasters.

8. The DOJ, through Atty. Ganchoon, discussed the sufficiency of the existing legal framework with respect to compensation for oil pollution damage.

9. OCEANA, through Atty. Gloria Ramos, manifested the need for better coordination and transparency among government agencies to prevent incidents like this from happening again, and emphasized a fossil-free future, and

10. Greenpeace, through Mr. Chua, pointed out the need to strengthen accountability mechanisms to hold polluters liable, and raised concerns on the rolling out of compensation for affected communities in Oriental Mindoro.

The owner of MT Terranova and its management, through Atty. Del Rosario, likewise assured that they will compensate the damage to the livelihood of fisherfolks and the communities affected. For this purpose, they have been coordinating with the LGUs for the creation of the claim centers.

During the course of the hearing, the following documents were asked to be submitted:

1. From the PCG and MARINA:

- Its joint safety investigation report.

2. From MARINA:

- Copies of the show cause orders against the owner, the ship manager, master mariner, and classification society.

3. From the NBI:

- Its investigation report.

4. From the DENR:

- The list of facilities transporting or treating hazardous waste products or oil debris.

5. From the DOTR:

- Its report on the processing of claims and the amounts of claim during the Mindoro oil spill.

6. From the DA-BFAR:

- Its sensory evaluation reports in connection with the fish and shellfish samples.

7. From Atty. Del Rosario of Porta Vaga Ship Management Inc.:

- Its registration papers of the following vessels:

a) MT Terra Nova,

b) MT Leola Micaela,

c) MT Aleya Louis,

d) MT Alysa Isabel,

e) MT Helen Marie, and

f) MT Melissa Rae.

- A report on the comparison of the claims or settlement during the Mindoro and Bataan oil spill, and

- A write-up on the "current buster" device.

This Committee notes your submission and will provide the members copies thereof.

Again, the oil spill has caused extensive economic and environmental damage, posing threats to marine ecosystem and biodiversity, and the livelihood of fisherfolks and coastal communities. We echo Senator Tol's sentiment that this is result of the government's neglect, which causes misery to our fisherfolks, and which needs to be properly addressed. Thus, as we begin this hearing, the Committee reiterates its objectives: to determine the cause of the oil spill, address its impact, assess the effectiveness and sufficiency of the response efforts, and illicit the truth to the oil smuggling allegations.

Thank you and I would like to hear the results of the investigation of PCG, MARINA, and the NBI.