CEBU, Philippines - The suspension of the vessels Aboitiz Transport System after the sinking of SuperFerry 9 last weekend off the Zamboanga peninsula has far greater effects beyond stranded passengers.
The business community in Cebu has written Transport Secretary Leandro Mendoza to express concern over the delay in the transport of goods and services brought about by the suspension order issued by the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA).
The Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in a letter signed by its president Samuel Chioson, said that while passenger safety is very important, so is the “timely and safe delivery of goods.”
“Business, at this point, is still trying to cope with the inconvenience, disruption and higher shipping costs brought about by the suspension of the Sulpicio passenger operations.Now, the situation is further compounded by the suspension of the Superferry passenger fleet.The Cebu business sector is anxious,” said Chioson in the letter to Sec. Mendoza.
Chioson added that the decrease of cargo shipping capacity in Cebu affects the trade and industry in the whole province and region.
The economy is dependent on the shipping industry for the transport of goods and the reduction in the number of vessels that are operating would mean an increase in the cost of transportation.
Chioson said that this would greatly affect the businesses not only in Cebu, but the whole country in general.
CCCI has given a few suggestions to resolve the matter including the speedy and impartial investigation of the Superferry 9 incident and penalizing those responsible for the tragedy.
CCCI also requests that the “sweeping reactions such as the immediate suspension of all SuperFerry passenger vessels must be reconsidered since this will greatly hamper passenger mobility as well as significantly reduce cargo shipping capacity between the islands.
“The wholesale suspension should, therefore, be lifted for vessels which have been previously certified as seaworthy by MARINA.”
They added that the suspension ofSulpicio Lines after the sinking of M/V Princess of the Stars last year, should also be lifted for vessels that have been duly inspected and certified as seaworthy.
The CCCI, which has over 900 members, also said that there must be strict enforcement of laws and close monitoring of compliance to regulations.These must also be sustained in a consistent manner by the concerned agencies and resolute steps towards the modernization and reform of the shipping industry must be taken as a joint responsibility of government and the private sector.
CCCI also mentioned that the “concerned government agencies under the direction of the Department of Transportation & Communication must provide business with timelines so that companies can adequately plan and identify options for the transport of their goods, materials and personnel.”
“With all due respect, Sir, our arguments, particularly on the effect of this situation on Cebu’s economy, are a reiteration of the stand of Cebu business when the Sulpicio Lines incident occurred more than fifteen months ago.With every sea tragedy involving our domestic shipping lines, it has become a cycle of suspension and investigation,” added Chioson.
The CCCI president said that if the ships would not be allowed to sail, Cebu may not fully see recovery in the financial crisis that hit the world early last year.
He said that Cebu already noted of early signs of bouncing back from the economic crunch and should be boosted.
“We pray that our position and recommendations be seriously considered.”
SuperFerry 9 was on its way to Iloilo from General Santos City when it sank.Ten people have been confirmed dead in the incident while about 900 others were rescued.
The MARINA has issued a suspension order for all vessels of SuperFerry so that all of them would undergo inspection to ensure that there would be no repeat of the tragedy.Sorce: The Freeman Cebu
