Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 23) — Residents and businesses affected by the oil spill in Oriental Mindoro can file for financial compensation beginning March 27.
“On the week of 27 March 2023, the first claims offices, also known as claims caravan — it will be called claims caravan — will open in Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro, and will act as the collecting point for claimants to submit their completed claim forms,” lawyer Valeriano del Rosario, who represents the company that insured the sunken MT Princess Empress, told a press briefing. “Subsequently, we will also see the opening of local claims offices in other affected barangays,” he added.The tanker was carrying 900,000 liters of oil when it sank off the coast of Naujan, Oriental Mindoro on Feb. 28.The oil spill has reached various parts of Oriental Mindoro as well as other provinces including Batangas and Palawan.Del Rosario said that affected individuals can get their claim forms from a local claims office. Claimants should provide appropriate evidence to prove their loss, he added. “Their claims will be reviewed by experts who may visit on the basis of the information given in the completed claims forms. The claimants will be informed thereafter of the outcome of the assessment,” said Del Rosario. Meanwhile, Oriental Mindoro Governor Humerlito Dolor also advised victims to be honest in filing for claims. “Siguraduhin natin na tayo ay hindi magpe-peke ng dokumento,” he said. “Baka later on masayang ang buong claim dahil sa isang resibo na napeke. At higit sa lahat, hindi pwede ang multiple claims. Kung nag-claim ka na, huwag mo gagamitin ang anak mo na magke-claim gamit ang parehong ebidensya.” [Translation: Please make sure that you are not falsifying documents. Your claim might be wasted just because of a fake receipt. Also, please avoid multiple claims. If you already claimed your compensation, don’t use your child to make another claim using the same evidence.]
