Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero is calling for the immediate and nationwide implementation of the government’s digital maritime passenger manifest system following the tragic sinking of the MV June Aster in Coron, Palawan, amid concerns that the vessel may have carried more passengers than those reflected in its official manifest.
Escudero said the tragedy has once again exposed critical gaps in the country’s maritime safety and passenger monitoring systems, emphasizing the urgent need for accurate, real-time passenger information during maritime emergencies.
While the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) has already mandated the use of digital passenger manifests to help prevent overloading and enhance maritime safety, Escudero noted that implementation remains uneven across regional ports.
“What happened to the MV June Aster underscores why we need to accelerate and expand the nationwide rollout of digital passenger manifests,” Escudero said.
Last March, MARINA selected Iloilo and Guimaras as pilot areas for the implementation of tap-and-go cards that automatically generate passenger manifests, as well as QR-based registration through a mobile application developed by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).
These digital systems provide port authorities and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) with accurate, real-time passenger information before a vessel leaves the pier—an essential capability that can significantly improve emergency response, search-and-rescue operations, and passenger accounting.
Escudero pointed out that several neighboring countries have already adopted stricter digital manifest requirements, saying the Philippines must keep pace with regional standards to prevent information gaps from worsening the consequences of maritime accidents.
He cited Singapore and Malaysia, which require electronic submission of passenger manifests before sailing; Indonesia, which uses QR-based boarding systems; and Japan and South Korea, which have adopted real-time electronic manifest systems for commercial passenger vessels.
“The Philippines must adopt comparable standards to ensure that our maritime safety system keeps pace with regional best practices,” Escudero said.
“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, stressing that millions of Filipinos depend on inter-island sea travel and deserve the same level of protection and safety.
Escudero also expressed his condolences to the families of those who died in the tragedy and urged government agencies and the vessel’s owners to provide immediate and comprehensive assistance to the victims’ families, including relatives who have traveled to Palawan. He likewise called for continued support for survivors undergoing treatment in hospitals.
Based on the latest PCG report, 132 people were listed on the MV June Aster’s passenger manifest. Of these, 76 have been confirmed dead, 43 survivors have been accounted for, and 13 remain missing. The PCG also reported that two passengers listed on the manifest did not actually board the vessel.
The Coast Guard has urged relatives of those still missing to coordinate with the local government of Coron and the PCG to help authorities determine the actual number of missing passengers and crew members.
Escudero said the tragedy should prompt a comprehensive review of the country’s maritime safety framework, including fire suppression requirements 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 under Republic Act No. 10635, vessel age limits under the Domestic Shipping Development Act or Republic Act No. 9295, and regulatory oversight under the Philippine Coast Guard Law or Republic Act No. 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,” Escudero said.
