MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Ramon Bong Revilla Jr. has demanded accountability from the owner of the tanker MT Terra Nova, which was involved in an oil spill that affected several coastal towns in Cavite province.

The oil spill, which originated in the waters off Bataan, has affected the livelihoods of local fishermen in eight towns in Cavite, including Bacoor, Kawit, Noveleta, Rosario, Tanza, Naic, Maragondon, and Ternate. The province was placed under a state of calamity last week due to the spill.

Revilla said that while no one can be blamed for the sinking of the tanker, the owner of the MT Terra Nova must be held accountable for the widespread damage caused by the oil spill to the environment and the livelihoods of affected fishermen.

The senator also called on the owner to take the lead in cleaning up the oil spill and to compensate the affected fishermen for their losses, saying it is part of their responsibility.

Earlier, the government imposed a “no catch” and “no sell” zone in the affected coastal areas in Cavite through Executive Order No. 38 series of 2024.

Meanwhile, the secretary is studying the possibility of a class suit filed by fishermen against the owner and other parties responsible for the oil spill, but declined to disclose further details, citing the owner’s failure to come forward.