PCG: Sunken oil tanker had permit

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) contradicted a Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) claim during a Senate hearing by releasing documents showing that the sunken oil tanker MT Princess Empress had a permit to operate.

The PCG shared six pages of the Certificate of Public Convenience issued by Marina to RDC Reield Marine Services, Inc., which owns the sunken vessel.

According to the document, Marina approved the inclusion of MT Princess Empress in RDC’s fleet on November 16, 2022, stating that the company was financially capable to maintain its operations.