Escudero urges nationwide digitalization of sea travel records after MV June Aster Tragedy

Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero is calling for the accelerated nationwide implementation of the government’s digital maritime passenger manifest system following the sinking of MV June Aster in Coron, Palawan, amid concerns that the vessel may have carried more passengers than those officially listed.

Escudero said the tragedy highlighted serious gaps in the country’s maritime safety and emergency response systems, particularly the need for accurate and real-time passenger information during sea emergencies.

Although the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) has already required the use of digital passenger manifests to help prevent overloading and improve maritime safety, Escudero noted that implementation remains uneven across ports in different regions.

“What happened to MV June Aster shows why we must accelerate and expand the rollout,” Escudero said.

MARINA began piloting digital passenger monitoring systems in Iloilo and Guimaras last March. The initiative includes 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 systems are designed to give port authorities and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) immediate access to accurate passenger information before vessels depart, allowing authorities to respond more effectively during emergencies.

Escudero also pointed to neighboring countries that have adopted more advanced digital manifest systems. Singapore and Malaysia require electronic submission of passenger manifests before departure, while Indonesia uses QR-based boarding systems. Japan and South Korea, meanwhile, have implemented real-time electronic manifests for commercial passenger vessels.

The senator said the Philippines should adopt comparable standards to strengthen maritime safety and keep pace with regional 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,” Escudero said.

He stressed that millions of Filipinos depend on inter-island sea travel and deserve stronger safety measures and reliable passenger monitoring.

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 assistance to the victims’ relatives, particularly those traveling to Palawan. He likewise called for continued support for survivors receiving treatment in hospitals.

Based on the latest PCG report, 132 people were listed on the MV June Aster manifest. Of these, 76 were confirmed dead, 43 survivors were accounted for, and 13 remained missing. Two individuals listed on the manifest were later found not to have boarded the vessel.

The PCG has urged relatives of missing passengers to coordinate with the Coron local government and the Coast Guard to help authorities determine the actual number of missing passengers and crew.

Beyond the passenger manifest system, Escudero called for a comprehensive review of the country’s maritime safety regulations, 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 RA 10635, vessel age restrictions under the Domestic Shipping Development Act (RA 9295), and regulatory enforcement under 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,” Escudero said.