WASHINGTON D.C. -- The House of Representatives will start its own investigation into the sea mishap involving a ship that capsized off Romblon province last June 21 during the onslaught of typhoon "Frank" (international codename: Fengshen), a lawmaker has said here.

Bacolod Representative Monico Puentevella, chairman ofthe committee on transportation, said there was an urgency to start the inquiry set for July 7, citing the lives lost.

About 70 of the more than 800 passengers and crew of the MV Princess of the Stars have been confirmed dead by authorities.

The number is exoected to rise as search and retrieval operations continue.

"This is an emergency. This is the biggest boat tragedy after so many years," said Puentevella, who was ampng several legislators that joined President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on her trip here.

"The public is asking for it so we are forced to have this hearing," he said.

Puentevella said the owners of the MV Princess of the Stars, and other officials concerned would be among those to be invited to the hearing.

Puentevella said the hearing, in aid of legislation, would be to find out whether there was a need to tighten the rules for the maritime industry and impose stiffer penalties against violators of the law.