Tulfo tackles bad weather woes

MANILA, Philippines — Amid the work suspension at the Senate due to Tropical Storm Enteng yesterday, Sen. Raffy Tulfo coordinated with various government agencies under his Senate public services committee through a Zoom meeting.

The senator immediately issued a stern warning to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to ensure strict monitoring and inspection of all sea vessels.

Tulfo stressed that no maritime vessel should be allowed to sail due to the current bad weather. However, he added that those who would be permitted to sail because their route was not affected by Tropical Storm Enteng must be seaworthy, not overloaded and have sufficient life vests for the onboard passengers and crew.

There have previously been a lot of reports about tragedies at sea caused by bad weather, wherein a seacraft was able to sail but sank and led to many deaths due to overloading and lack of life vests. Later, it was found out that this was caused by the negligence of the PCG.

Meanwhile, the senator welcomed the information from Philippine Ports Authority spokesperson Eunice Samonte who told him that even though more than 4,000 passengers are currently stranded at the piers, the PPA has prepared enough free snacks, drinks and proper accommodation for them.

He still warned Samonte that if the information she provided to him was not true, someone would be held accountable.

Meanwhile, the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) management earned the ire of the senator after he received information that there were tubs and trays scattered at the NAIA terminals on Sept. 2 to catch rainwater from leaky roofs.

MIAA spokesman Chris Bendijo, for his part, immediately acted on the concern and personally went around NAIA terminals to inspect the leaking roofs.

Bendijo promised to Tulfo that he would find a way to prevent the same problem from happening again.

Tulfo also asked Bendijo to ensure that the airway passenger bill of rights of stranded passengers at NAIA terminals is followed, including the availability of free snacks, bottled water and proper accommodation.

He also ordered Bendijo to make sure that all VIP airport lounges, except those owned by airlines, should be reserved for senior citizens, PWDs, pregnant women and others who need assistance and places to stay during times like this.

He then instructed Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines deputy director general Danjun Lucas to cancel all flights of small and light aircraft in general aviation, especially those privately owned or those that are leased.

In the past, Tulfo said many small aircraft and helicopters have crashed or disappeared due to the hardheadedness of general aviation people who decide to fly even when the weather is bad, especially in the province where monitoring is not strict.

Tulfo expressed grave concern over PCG’s lone helicopter for rescuing vessels in distress or in need of help across the country.

He assured Lt. Commander Joel Simo-ag that in the coming Senate budget hearing of the Department of Transportation, to which the PCG is affiliated, he will recommend additional budget.

Tulfo will discuss these problems in the scheduled hearing of the Senate committee on Sept. 5.