DOTC chief won’t prejudge ferry case

Transportation and Communications Secretary Pantaleon Alvarez will not be filing any charges against those responsible for the M/V Maria Carmela tragedy — at least not until he sees the results of the investigation by a special Board of Marine Inquiry.

Alvarez said he will not prejudge the case and accuse anyone without adequate evidence.

"I cannot jump the gun on the special Board of Marine Inquiry," he said. "We should allow due process to take its course. Besides, it is the board that is gathering evidence needed to successfully prosecute those responsible for the mishap."

Alvarez said the DOTC will go to court with all the necessary documents to prosecute and convict those responsible for the fire that destroyed and sank the ill-fated passenger ferry April 11 off the coast of Quezon province.

"This a matter of due process," he said. "I understand the anger and anxiety of the relatives of the victims. But this a necessary process we have to undergo."

Alvarez said he has called on Montenegro Shipping Lines, owners of the Carmela, to ensure that the bodies of the victims are unidentified and given proper burial, and to provide financial assistance to the victims’ relatives.