Adoption of digital manifest system pushed after Palawan ferry tragedy

Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero called for the immediate nationwide implementation of a digital passenger manifest system for maritime travel, saying the MV June Aster tragedy in Coron, Palawan highlighted the dangers posed by gaps in passenger data during emergencies.

Escudero made the call after the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) raised the possibility that the ill-fated vessel may have been carrying more passengers than those reflected in its official manifest.

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

The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) has already required digital passenger manifests as part of efforts to prevent overloading and improve maritime safety. Escudero, however, said the system is not yet being implemented consistently across regional ports.

He said having accurate passenger information available in real time would allow port authorities and the PCG to respond more effectively during maritime emergencies.

MARINA began testing the technology in Iloilo and Guimaras last March through tap-and-go cards that automatically generate passenger manifests, as well as QR-based registration using a mobile application developed by the Department of Information and Communications Technology.

Escudero said the Philippines should also adopt stricter digital manifest standards already being used in other countries in the region. He cited Singapore and Malaysia’s electronic manifest submissions before departure, Indonesia’s QR-based boarding system, and the use of real-time electronic manifests for commercial passenger vessels in Japan and South Korea.

The senator said the Philippines needs to keep pace with these practices, particularly because millions of Filipinos depend on inter-island sea travel.

“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,” he said.

Based on the latest PCG report, 132 people were listed on the MV June Aster manifest. Of these, 76 have been confirmed dead, 43 survived and 13 remain missing. Two people listed on the manifest were reportedly not among those who boarded the vessel.

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

Escudero extended his condolences to the victims’ families and urged government agencies and the vessel’s owners to provide assistance to relatives arriving in Palawan, as well as to survivors receiving treatment in hospitals.

He also called for a broader review of maritime safety regulations following the tragedy, including fire suppression requirements under the Philippine Ship Safety Rules and Regulations of 2021, crew training and certification standards under the 1978 Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping as adopted through Republic Act No. 10635, vessel age limits under the Domestic Shipping Development Act or RA 9295, and regulatory enforcement under the Philippine Coast Guard Law or 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,” he said.