Liberal Party’s candidate for president, Senator Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III Sunday criticized the apparent lack of action of government to address what he said is a “continuing national tragedy” involving the country’s maritime transport.

Aquino said the recent sea tragedies, the sinking of Catalyn B and MV Baleno-9 just before the year 2009 ended showed that the state of maritime transport in the Philippines is lamentable.

“The state of maritime transport in the Philippines seems to be a continuing "national tragedy." During the last few days alone, we have witnessed two more ships sink, Catalyn B and MV Baleno-9, killing a still undetermined number of passengers,” Aquino said.

“The law is clear. Article 1755 of the Civil Code of the Philippines states that a common carrier is bound to carry the passengers safely as far as human care and foresight can provide, using the utmost diligence of very cautious persons, with a due regard for all the circumstances,” he cited.

While it is important for the investigation to proceed in order to determine liability on the part of the common carrier and other parties involved in these cases, Aquino said the government has left many unanswered questions and appears not to have learned anything from past maritime disasters.

“In June 2008, we witnessed the sinking of the MV Princess of the Stars. What happened to this investigation?” Aquino asked.

The Senate earlier launched an investigation into the ferry owned by Sulpicio Lines after it capsized off the coast of San Fernando, Romblon last June 2008 where more than 100 people died and 500 still missing.

The probe resulted in the passing of the Philippine Coast Guard Law by both the Senate and House of Representatives before Congress went on recess last Dec. 18. The bicameral report has been passed by Congress and awaiting President Arroyo’s signature.

But Aquino said the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) seemed to have done nothing to thwart such catastrophes from happening again.