Sunken tanker: Navotas shipyard lacks permit

MANILA, Philippines — A shipping company in Navotas where the tanker Princess Empress, which sank off Oriental Mindoro and caused an oil spill, was refurbished is being investigated by the city government for operating without a permit.

According to the city’s Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO), the Majestic Shipping Corp. is not allowed to refurbish ships.

“We will look into reports that the shipping company has been operating without the necessary permit,” acting BPLO chief Francis Pascual told The STAR.

He said Majestic was registered as a commercial lessor for business establishments.