Senator Raffy Tulfo, on Thursday, February 12, questioned the lawyer of Aleson Shipping Lines over alleged deficiencies in insurance payouts and financial assistance given to victims of the M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 sinking during a Senate Committee on Public Services hearing.

Facing the panel was Nelson Tan, legal counsel for the shipping firm, who confirmed that the vessel had an insurance policy mandated by the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina), covering P200,000 for accidental death and P50,000 for emergency assistance.

Tulfo, however, confronted Tan over complaints from survivors and families of those who died, claiming that many received only P10,000, P5,000, or even P1,000, instead of the P200,000 insurance coverage indicated in the policy.

“Many relatives of the victims are complaining that you are not giving proper compensation. That’s supposed to be P200,000 under your insurance policy,” Tulfo said, as he pressed Tan to explain why the full amount had allegedly not been released.

Tan said the company immediately distributed P10,000 each to 274 passengers upon their arrival at Zamboanga Port, describing it as initial financial assistance intended for food and transportation needs.

Tulfo questioned whether the amount was sufficient, noting that land transport accident victims receive up to P400,000 in insurance coverage under the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), while maritime passengers are covered for only P200,000.

Survivors present at the hearing disputed the company’s explanation.

Nawila Haraji, one of the survivors, recounted that upon returning to Manila, a representative from Aleson allegedly told them they should already be happy for having received money.

“Hindi namin po ipagpapalit ang buhay namin dahil lang sa 40,000 or 10,000,” she told the committee, adding that many were still dealing with trauma from the tragedy.

Another survivor raised concerns that passengers, particularly minors, who were not listed on the manifest were allegedly denied cash assistance and hospital coverage. She cited the case of a retrieved infant victim and questioned whether the absence of a ticket should disqualify a child from receiving aid.

“Sabi po ng representative ng Aleson, kapag wala pong ticket specifically referred to the children or minor, hindi po nila bibigyan ng cash assistance, hindi po nila bibigyan ng hospital, hindi po nila sasagutin ng hospital bill. So tama po ba yun? Meron pong sanggol kahapon lang, na-retrieve po, wala ng ulo. Tapos ganun po ang sasabihin ng representative ng Aleson?”

Tulfo then asked Marina and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) how insurance claims would be handled for passengers not included in the ship’s manifest, noting that insurance companies typically compensate only those officially listed.

A Marina representative said ship owners are obligated under existing policy to provide compensation, and any violations would be included in the agency’s findings.

Further complicating the issue, survivors alleged that hospital expenses were deducted from the supposed insurance benefits. They claimed that for those who were hospitalized, payments made for medical bills were treated as part of the total assistance, reducing the amount they could still receive.

Nur Sali, another survivor, said the initial P10,000 assistance was later increased by P40,000 after public outcry, bringing the total to P50,000, which the company reportedly described as the insurance payment.

He added that while the insurance coverage is P200,000, survivors were later offered P100,000, and there were public announcements of P300,000 in compensation. However, he alleged that the breakdown of the amounts was not clearly explained, making it appear that only the company’s P10,000 came directly from Aleson.

Sali also questioned why survivors who had already been reimbursed for hospital expenses were allegedly no longer entitled to receive the P50,000 assistance, suggesting that the company was minimizing payouts.

“Hindi ko alam kung anong gustong palabasin ng Aleson. Kami ba yung nilalaro? O ayaw nilang magpakawala ng pera nila?” Sali said.

Tulfo directed Aleson to ensure that all victims and survivors are fully compensated. He also urged Marina to review and amend its insurance policies, particularly the “no-fault insurance” provision.

Under the current policy, Tulfo said, if a ship sinks due to an accident without proven negligence—such as being struck by a large wave—casualty claims may not be paid under certain circumstances.

The senator called for changes to ensure that all victims and survivors are compensated, even if the incident is deemed accidental and without negligence. He also pushed for an increase in the P200,000 maritime insurance coverage, saying it lags behind the compensation provided in land transportation accidents.

Tulfo warned regulators to strengthen oversight and prevent possible undue influence from industry stakeholders in shaping maritime insurance policies.