As chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Services, Senator Raffy Tulfo recommends the cancellation of Aleson Shipping Lines’ franchise in the event their negligence is proven.

“It calls for an in-depth and thorough investigation kung bakit nangyari palagi itong mga aksidente na kinasangkutan ng Aleson at kung nakita natin talagang very blatant ang kapabayaan, we might as well recommend na ma-cancel o ma-revoke totally ang permit o prangkisa nitong Aleson para wala nang ma-perwisyong mga pasahero,” he said.

In a Thursday report by RH 28 Raymund Dadpaas, this recommendation followed his committee’s inquiry into the sinking of M/V Trisha Kerstin 3, which led to the deaths of 52 individuals in the waters off Basilan.

Tulfo said Aleson Shipping Lines, aside from having violated multiple laws, has a concerning record of sunken ships, which he believes warrants penalties.

On March 29, 2023, M/V Lady Mary Joy 3 caught fire on Baluk-baluk Island, resulting in the deaths of 31 persons.

During the hearing, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) admitted that the M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 was overloaded with passengers and cargo.

The agency earlier recommended that the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) explore the possibility of filing a murder case against the owners of Aleson Shipping Lines.

The lawmaker argued that the owner knew the ship was old but still allowed it to sail.

On January 26, the M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 sank off Baluk-baluk Island, Basilan, during the early morning hours.