MARINA: RORO vessels in WV sea worthy
The Maritime Industry Authority 6 said all roll-on/roll-off vessels operating in Western Visayas are sea worthy, based on its series of inspections.
The MARINA 6 has conducted inspections on the 15 RORO vessels docking in various ports of Western Visayas, including Caticlan in Aklan; Guimaras; Dumangas, Iloilo; and Bacolod City in Negros Occidental.
“They are sea worthy and so far have no violations against maritime laws,” MARINA Regional Director Mary Armi Arcilla said.
Arcilla said her office is constantly encouraging the management of RORO vessels to make sure that their vessels always comply with maritime safety standards.
Illegal Fishing
Meanwhile, the incidence of illegal fishing in Western Visayas is no longer rampant, according to the Philippine National Police-Regional Maritime Office 6.
RMO 6 Deputy Regional Jairus Gelvezon said that despite limited logistical support, they were still able to launch successful anti-illegal fishing operations in their area of jurisdiction.
From July 26 to August 13, the RMO 6 through its various local stations was able to apprehend 12 illegal fishing boats – four in Iloilo; two in Capiz; and six in Negros Occidental.
The operations were conducted in Estancia and Carles towns in Iloilo, Roxas City in Capiz, and Cadiz City in Negros Occidental.
Forty one crew members were charged in court for violation of the fishery laws.
Most of the violations were on poaching of municipal territorial waters.*PNA
Treñas committee to lead probe on GOCC issues
The House committee on good governance and public accountability headed by Iloilo City Rep. Jerry Trenas will take the lead in investigating major issues such as salaries afforded to government-owned and control corporations and other questionable projects.
Treñas said he is scheduled to meet with his senior vice chairmen to approve the rules of procedure and then buckle down to work once the bills will be officially referred to them.
He said they will also discuss on how they will prioritize the issues whether on a first come-first served basis or based on the impact or weight of the bills being referred to them.
Initially, four bills have been referred to the plenary and more are coming, he said.
These involve the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. , Smokey Moutain Project, GOCCs, among others.
Trenas said that from the plenary, the bills will have to pass through the committee on rules before the official referral to his committee.
He said the rights of parties concerned will be protected and measures will be undertaken so that those involved in the issues will not be embarrassed.
Treñas was also appointed senior vice chairman of the committee on local government and member of the information and communication, and ecology committees.*PNA
