Government hit over slow response on oil spill

MANILA, Philippines — A lawmaker lamented what she described as the government’s slow response to the oil spill from the sunken motor tanker MT Princess Empress.

House committee on ecology head Laguna Rep. Marlyn Alonte said concerned local government units, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) were “inadequately equipped to respond to oil spill.”

“Our government agencies on the frontlines as first responders to oil spills do not have booms and other containment equipment, supplies and measures,” she said.

Alonte reminded the DENR and PCG to ensure that their budget for next year will have an allocation for oil spill containment equipment, supplies, measures and training.

“By equipment, I mean booms and skimmers. The Coast Guard and major ports should also have their own oil spill booms and skimmers,” she said.

Alonte said the oil slick spread to other areas because it took days before the booms were installed.