Coast Guard denies accepting bribes in the Binangonan incident

By Lily Gut Motorbanca of Donald Anain that sunk off the coast of Binangonan, Rizal. (Photo from Radyo Pilipinas) BINANGONAN, Rizal - T...

By Lily Gut

Motorbanca of Donald Anain that sunk off the coast of Binangonan, Rizal. (Photo from Radyo Pilipinas)

BINANGONAN, Rizal - The Coast Guard denies the allegation that their personnel accepted bribes that caused the overloading of the MB Aya Express in Binangonan, Rizal, which resulted in its tragic sinking.They maintain that their personnel were not involved in any wrongdoing.

Officials of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) maintained that their personnel at the Binangonan Substation in Rizal did not receive anything from the captain of the overturned MBCA Aya Express that could be considered a bribe.



After motorbanca captain Donald Anain revealed in a Senate hearing that he was giving "padulas" to PCG personnel to allow them to sail without inspection, Coast Guard spokesperson Rear Admiral Armand Balilo announced this.

Anain's statement, according to Balilo, was false because he denied giving alcohol to Coast Guard personnel as a bribe and there is no evidence to support his claim.

He also stated that, contrary to his statement in the Senate, their personnel in Binangonan did not request anything from Anain.

Balilo clarified that the PCG has strict protocols in place and that any allegations of bribery or corruption will be thoroughly investigated.

He emphasized that the safety and security of maritime operations are their top priorities, and they will take appropriate action to ensure accountability and prevent similar incidents in the future.

First, Anain admitted that he gives "pampangiti" to Coast Guard personnel in the area, which means that he gives them ₱100 and ₱50 worth of bananas to allow them to sail.

It can be recalled that the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) disclosed Anain's admission that he did not have a license to sail and that he was aware of the risks involved in operating without one.

This raises concerns about the effectiveness of regulatory measures and the need for stricter enforcement to prevent unauthorized maritime operations.