By ASJ
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has recommended the filing of criminal charges against parties responsible for the sinking of the M/T Princess Empress last Feb. 28 which caused significant oil spill along the coast of Oriental Mindoro.
“Negligence cannot be used as an excuse to destroy the environment and livelihood of people. It is important to be diligent on land and on our waters,” Remulla said.
Following a comprehensive evaluation of affidavits and evidence, the panel of DOJ prosecutors uncovered irregularities in certain documents related to the construction and certificate of public convenience of M/T Princess Empress.
The panel has also recommended the filing of charges against the corporate officers of M/T Princess Empress, a MARINA personnel, and a private individual for multiple counts of falsification of public documents by a private individual, multiple use of falsified documents, and multiple counts of falsification of public or official documents.
It also found that RDC Reield Marine Services, Inc. submitted falsified documents, including a Construction Certificate and Affidavit of Ownership.
However, the charges against the other respondents have been recommended for dismissal due to a lack of probable cause.
The NBI-ECD initiated the aforementioned cases which were subsequently filed before the DOJ in June 2023.
