Lawyer and senatorial candidate Adel Tamano blasted MARINA for the recent sea tragedies which resulted in deaths of no less than 20 people. More than 50 are also still missing.

"While it's true that shipowners must be made responsible for negligence, authorities must also be held liable. Administrative cases must be filed against officials who do not implement the laws effectively," the young lawyer said.

"We never seem to learn about these tragedies. It has become such a common occurrence that the public is no longer shocked," Tamano said.

M/V Baleno 9 sank a little past 10pm December 26, 2009 on its way to Batangas City from Calapan, Oriental Mindoro. M/V Catalyn B, on the other hand, sank 3 nautical miles from Limbones Island Christmas Eve.

"It seems that MARINA is inefficient in checking the vessels' seaworthiness. Does MARINA also have a way of checking these maritime companies? Why are substandard vessels allowed to sail?," Tamano asked.

"There have been a lot of maritime mishaps already. How many must perish before we resolve all these tragedies?," Tamano emphasized.

"Our country is an archipelago so the government has an important duty to insure that maritime travel is safe," he added.

Tamano also reiterated the need to file administrative cases against authorities who need to "answer to the people."

"The public must know that the government does not tolerate ineffective officials. If they can't do their jobs well, then relieve them from their posts and file appropriate administrative cases," he stressed.

Following Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) Chairman Nur Misuari's endorsement, popular Filipino actor Robin Padilla has also expressed his support for fellow Muslim Atty. Adel Tamano.

Tamano, the first Filipino Muslim scholar-graduate of Harvard Law School and President of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, is a senatorial candidate under the Nacionalista Party.

In a handwritten personal note to Tamano dated December 9, 2009, Padilla wished the young lawyer and former opposition spokesperson well in his political journey.

"May Allah guide you and give you success," the note read.

Tamano, for his part, expressed his gratitude to Padilla's show of support.

"I am extremely grateful to Robin for his trust and confidence," Tamano said.

"Rest assured that I will continue to protect not only the rights of our fellow Muslims but of all Filipinos. Hopefully, if I get the privilege to serve in the Senate, I will help foster peace and acceptance," Tamano underscored.

Recently, Misuari virtually endorsed Tamano before hundreds of MNLF commanders and leaders when he invited the latter to be the guest of honor during the 5th Bangsamoro National Assembly. Tamano was the only national politician allowed to attend the event.