Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 5) — Cavite Rep. Elpidio Barzaga Jr. wants the House of Representatives to investigate the capsizing of a motorboat off Binangonan, Rizal on July 27, which left 27 people dead, highlighting the need to assess the disaster response of various agencies.
In a statement on Saturday, Barzaga said he filed House Resolution 1159 to urge the appropriate House committee to investigate if there was negligence on the part of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) since “the boat obviously sank because of the perennial problem of overloading.”
\”Considering the alarming PCG’s performance during the Egay boat disaster, as well as other incidents, there is a need to examine, assess, and improve the PCG if it is fulfilling its mandate to the promotion of safety of life and property at sea under the Philippine Coast Guard Law and Presidential Decree Nos. 600, 601, 602, and 970,\” he said.
Some senators have also called for a legislative probe into the matter but no date has been set for the Senate hearing.
The PCG has already dismissed two personnel in relation to the incident, which happened on the same day Super Typhoon Egay left the Philippine Area of Responsibility.
Strong winds made the passengers panic and lean to the port side of the boat, causing it to capsize, the PCG earlier said.
Barzaga said the congressional probe will also look into the Egay response of the PCG, as well as the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the Binangonan government, and other related agencies.
The lawmaker said Congress needs to determine the \”much-needed reforms in the prevention and response to natural disasters that have negative impacts to millions of Filipinos.\”
