Senate inquiry on Bataan oil spill set on Aug. 13

The Senate investigation into the oil spill brought about by the sinking of MT Terranova off Limay, Bataan last July 25.

“The Senate inquiry on the massive oil spill caused by the ill-fated M/T Terranova will push through on August 13," Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino said in a statement.

The lawmaker earlier filed proposed Senate Resolution 1084 asking the Senate committee on environment, natural resources, and climate change to investigate the case of the oil spill.

Tolentino emphasized in his resolution the "serious threat" that the oil spill poses in the marine ecosystem, coastal communities, and livelihood sources in the provinces of Bataan, Cavite, Nasugbu in Batangas, and Bulacan, including Manila Bay.

"These environmental disasters severely impact the livelihood sources of many fisherfolk to a loss of income and contributing somewhat to sustainability of our food security," Tolentino's resolution read.

"Proactive measures must be undertaken to protect the affected communities, particularly the fishermen whose means of livelihood depend on the health and sustainability of the marine environment," he added.

Apart from MT Terranova, which was carrying 1.4 million liters of industrial oil when it sank off Limay in Bataan on July 25 MTKR Jason Bradley also sank in the vicinity waters of Barangay Cabcaben, Mariveles, Bataan.

MT Jason Bradley was carrying 5,500 liters of diesel.

Meanwhile, MV Mirola 1 on July 31 also ran aground in the vicinity waters of Sitio Quiapo, Barangay Biaan, Mariveles, Bataan.

The province of Bataan was recently placed under a state of calamity after the onslaught of the southwest monsoon enhanced by tropical cyclone Carina. --VAL, GMA Integrated News