The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) has cleared all 26 individuals charged in connection with anomalous flood-control projects in Bulacan, saying none were found to own or operate registered vessels.
MARINA Administrator Sonia Malaluan said on Tuesday that certifications were issued last week after records were cross-checked with regional offices. “We did not find any vessel registered under their names,” Malaluan said in Filipino during a National Maritime Week press conference.
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) earlier sought help from the Land Transportation Office, Land Registration Authority, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, and MARINA to identify assets of those implicated in ghost or substandard projects. The asset validation followed revelations in congressional hearings and internal DPWH investigations.
In the same event, MARINA joined the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in signing a Joint Statement of Commitment for National Maritime Week.
With the theme “Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity,” the agencies pledged to protect the seas while advancing the maritime industry’s role in economic growth.
Malaluan reaffirmed MARINA’s commitment to international safety and environmental standards and to strengthening the global competitiveness of Filipino seafarers.
PPA assistant general manager for operations Mark Jon Palomar highlighted initiatives on green ports, shoreline cleanups, carbon reduction, and disaster resilience.
“Together, let us amplify this message, inspire collective action, and show the world that the Philippines is ready to lead toward a future where our ocean is protected,” he said.
Rear Admiral Teotimo Borja, commander of the Coast Guard Civil Relations Service, urged citizens and industry stakeholders to report violations and support biodiversity efforts. The PCG said it is training personnel to handle both environmental and security challenges.
The PPA, MARINA, and PCG stressed that the Philippines’ maritime future rests not only on the strength of institutions but also on the collective responsibility of its people.
