SENATOR Francis “Chiz” Escudero is pushing for the rapid, nationwide rollout of the government’s maritime digital passenger manifest system after the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) raised the possibility that the ill-fated MV June Aster may have been carrying more passengers than its official manifest recorded.
According to Escudero, the recent sea tragedy in Coron, Palawan once again exposes critical gaps in maritime safety protocols, underscoring the urgent need for real-time passenger data during emergencies.
While the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) has already mandated the use of digital passenger manifests to curb overloading and strengthen sea safety, Escudero observed that implementation across regional ports remains inconsistent.
“What happened to MV June Aster shows why we must accelerate and expand the rollout,” he said.
Last March, MARINA tapped Iloilo and Guimaras as pilot areas where it implemented tap‑and‑go cards that automatically generate manifests and QR‑based registration via a mobile app developed by the Department of Information and Communications Technology. These technologies provide port authorities and the PCG with accurate, real‑time data before any vessel leaves the pier, significantly strengthening emergency response capabilities.
The veteran legislator pointed out that several ASEAN neighbors have already adopted stricter digital manifest protocols, and the Philippines must “catch up” to prevent tragedies from being compounded by information gaps.
Among its regional neighbors, Escudero noted that Singapore and Malaysia require electronic submission of manifests before sailing, Indonesia uses QR‑based boarding systems, and Japan and South Korea mandate real‑time electronic manifests for all commercial passenger vessels.
He said the Philippines must adopt similar standards to ensure maritime safety keeps pace with regional best practices.
“Kung ang aviation ay may mahigpit na real‑time digital passenger manifest, dapat ganito rin ang pamantayan sa ating maritime sector. Sa panahon ng digital systems at real‑time reporting, hindi dapat nagkakaroon ng ganitong kalaking puwang sa impormasyon,” he said, adding that millions of Filipinos rely on inter‑island travel and deserve the same level of protection.
The senator likewise extended his condolences to the families of the victims and urged government agencies and the ship’s owners to provide full assistance to relatives arriving in Palawan. He likewise called for support for survivors currently being treated in hospitals.
According to the latest PCG report, there were 132 people on board the MV June Aster as per the manifest. Of these, 76 have been confirmed dead, 43 survivors have been accounted for, and 13 remain missing. Two passengers listed in the manifest did not board.
The PCG urged relatives of those still missing to coordinate with the local government of Coron and the Coast Guard to help authorities establish the actual number of unaccounted passengers and crew.
Escudero said the tragedy should lead to a comprehensive review of the country’s maritime safety system, including fire suppression standards under the Philippine Ship Safety Rules and Regulations (PSSRR, 2021); crew training and certification under the Standards of Training; Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW, 1978, as adopted in RA 10635); vessel age limits under the Domestic Shipping Development Act (RA 9295); and regulatory oversight by the Philippine Coast Guard Law (RA 9993).
“It has been almost five days since the incident, and the investigation must be expedited. As we grieve, we must also act. Hindi na dapat maulit ang ganitong trahedya na puwede namang maiwasan. Tiyakin natin ang ligtas na biyahe para sa bawat pasaherong tumatawid sa ating mga karagatan,” he said.
