The Senate is launching an investigation into the deaths of 27 passengers who drowned on July 27 after their boat sank in Laguna de Bay in Binangonan, Rizal during Typhoon Egay's tail end.

Last week, Egay pounded Central and Northern Luzon before making its way to Taiwan.

The motor banca Aya Express, which has 42 seats but was carrying 70 passengers at the time, was on its way to Talim Island when it began to lean to one side causing its outrigger broke.

According to Senator Grace Poe, the incident was heartbreaking and aggravating, adding that the loss of so many lives is no laughing matter and they must find out what happened in the investigation.

Poe said that the probe must reveal why the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) allowed the motorboat to sail despite the bad weather.

Furthermore, PCG spokesman Rear Admiral Armand Balilo previously said that the PCG has relieved its personnel posted in Binangonan and will determine if they may be held accountable for the incident.

Poe said that victims of previous sea catastrophes may be included in the probe to evaluate the outcome of their cases and whether families have been adequately paid.

Senator Raffy Tulfo stated that the PCG and the Maritime Industry Authority must be held accountable.

Meanwhile, Senator Jinggoy Estrada said that they must hold those responsible accountable for their actions or inactions that may have contributed to this tragedy.

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, on the other hand, introduced a Senate resolution to investigate the government's preparedness to alleviate the effects of El Niño.