Senator Raffy Tulfo on Monday filed a resolution seeking to strengthen the existing laws and regulations on safety for marine vessels in the country.
Senate Resolution No. (SRN) 705 was filed after a passenger vessel capsized at the waters of Laguna De Bay in Binangonan, Rizal, killing more than 20 individuals last July 28.
Based on the initial investigation, the passengers were not wearing any life vessels during the trip, and the passenger capacity exceeded the limit.
"The results of the investigation should be utilized to improve safety standards for marine vessels, addressing issues such as overloading, vessel stability, adherence to passenger capacity limits, emergency preparedness, and crew training," Tulfo said.
He underlined that the Senate recognizes the need to reinforce and update existing legislation and regulations on maritime safety to ensure the protection of lives and property.
In the same resolution, Tulfo also called on the appropriate Senate committee to conduct hearings to gather expert opinions, testimonies, and inputs from the maritime industry, safety experts, and affected communities in regard to the crafting of the legislation that strengthens maritime safety.
The Senator then suggested the establishment of a task force or committee that focuses on crafting comprehensive recommendations for the improvement of maritime safety standards.
The said task force shall be composed of representatives from the PCG, MARINA, PPA, the Department of Transportation (DOTr), the Department of Tourism (DOT), and other relevant agencies.
Furthermore, Tulfo also stated that government officials, who may have committed lapses or negligence in the incident, should be held liable and accountable.
