Section 17June 02, 2007, Sec./Art. 17

Action for Compensation. - An action for compensation on account of Pollution Damage resulting from the Incident which occurred in the territory may be brought before the RTC against the following persons:

(a) Owner of the polluting Ship; or

(b) Insurer or other person providing financial security of the said Owners liability for pollution.

For this purpose, foreign corporation, partnership, association or individual, whether or not licensed to transact business in the Philippines by any appropriate government agencies, providing such insurance or financial security for Pollution Damage shall be considered transacting or doing business in the Philippines and shall be subject to the jurisdiction of the regular judicial courts of the country.

Such action shall be filed within three years of the date on which the damage occurred, but not later than six years of the date of the Incident.

The PCG shall investigate, motu proprio or through compensation or violation of this Act, and shall forthwith file appropriate action with the RTC.

It shall likewise provide the complainant necessary technical evidence or any assistance, whether or not testimonial or documentary, insofar as the claim for compensation or violation of this Act is concerned.

Filing of the action under this section shall only require payment of filing fees equivalent to ten percentum (10%) of the regular rates established therefore by the Supreme Court of the Philippines. However, indigent plaintiff shall be exempt from payment of docket and other lawful fees, and of transcripts of stenographic notes which the court may order to be furnished him. The amount of the docket and other lawful fees which the indigent was exempted from paying shall be a lien on any judgment rendered in the case favorable to the indigent, unless the court otherwise provides.