DOTr orders probe on ship overbooking

MANILA, Philippines — Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon yesterday ordered the investigation of a shipping line for overbooking one of its vessels at Batangas Port.

Dizon said the Philippine Coast Guard discovered that one of the shipping line’s vessels, plying the Batangas-Romblon route, sold tickets beyond its passenger capacity.

“We will not compromise the safety of our passengers. There might be some inconvenience on the part of our passengers, but we have no choice. We would hold the shipping line accountable because it should not have been selling tickets beyond its ship’s capacity,” Dizon said.

The vessel was allowed to sail but will be subjected to an investigation by the Maritime Industry Authority.