CAVITE — Cavite Gov. Jonvic Remulla met with representatives of the owner of the sunken MT Terranova to discuss possible compensation for those affected by the oil spill.

The proposed daily compensation of 350 pesos is equivalent to the average daily wage of local fishermen.

The International Oil Pollution Compensation Funds (IOPC) provides assistance for oil pollution damages and has an agreement with the Philippines. Remulla said the duration of the compensation will depend on when people regain confidence in the fish they catch. Up to 31,000 fishermen and vendors are eligible for compensation.

Remulla is also studying the possibility of a class-action lawsuit against the ship’s owner and said those responsible will be held accountable for the crime.

His brother, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla, alleged that other ships may have been involved in oil smuggling with the MT Terranova.

However, Leonelle Mojal-Infante, representative of Portavaga Ship Management Incorporated, denied the company’s involvement in smuggling and insisted that they have legitimate contracts with well-known oil companies in the Philippines.