Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 8) — As Oriental Mindoro grapples with an oil spill that has spread to nearby areas, Negros Occidental 3rd District Rep. Kiko Benitez on Wednesday filed a bill seeking to strengthen regulations for ships to prevent oil spills and discharge of harmful substances to the sea.

House Bill No. 7515 provides for the strict enforcement of the regulations under the 1973 International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, as modified by the 1978 Protocol, or MARPOL 73/78, which took effect in 2001.

The measure allows the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) to strictly enforce shipbuilding standards – ensuring ships are constructed and equipped with materials and machinery to avoid the discharge or emission of oil, sewage, rubbish, and other dangerous substances and pollutants into Philippine waters.

It also requires the Philippine Coast Guard to seize and detain ships that violate these regulations, with fines of up to ₱10 million. The money collected from fines will be used to clean up oil spills and contain leaks.

The measure was filed amid a major oil spill in the waters off Oriental Mindoro from a tanker carrying 800,000 liters of industrial fuel, which capsized last week.

The slick has already reached tourist sites and surrounding areas, and has forced at least nine towns to declare a state of calamity: Naujan, Pola, Pinamalayan, Gloria, Bansud, Bongabong, Roxas, Mansalay, and Bulalacao.

“This bill is crucial in protecting our marine wealth and promoting blue economy to ensure sustainable development of our marine resources for the benefit of present and future generations,” Benitez said.