Press Release
June 30, 2008

Loren wants stricter rules on transport of toxic chemicals

Senator Loren Legardacalled yesterday for stricter rules on the transport of toxic chemicals and other hazardous substances over land, air and water to avert loss of lives and damage to the environment.

Legarda made the call as a chemical tanker met an accident in Makati City and spilled the ethanol it was transporting, causing a massive traffic jam in the country's top commercial and business district.

The ethanol tanker slammed into the center island of the southbound of EDSA in Makati, with its driver sustaining injuries.

"The quick response of firefighters and MMDA personnel averted a catastrophe as, if not for the quick cleaning-up operation undertaken by them, the ethanol could have ignited or have been inhaled by passing motorists and pedestrians," said Legarda.

"The accident brought once again into the foreground the need to ensure the safety of vehicles transporting flammable and toxic substances, and also the qualification of those driving such vehicles," she stressed.

Legarda also called for special trainings and skills testing for drivers of tankers, as well as periodic drug tests for them.

The senator also pointed at the discovery that the capsized MV Princess of the Stars had been carrying pesticides as another reason why regulations should be made more strict on the transport of toxic chemicals.

She added that aside from stricter rules, the government must ensure their strict enforcement.

Legarda questioned the use of passenger ships like the MV Princess of the Stars in the transport of harmful chemicals, saying the latter should be transported aboard ships specifically made for that purpose.

"Such chemicals can easily leak and kill people. Thus, I think there should be a regulation banning such practice of loading toxic substances aboard passenger planes and ships," Legarda said.

Vessels transporting harmful chemicals, including oil products, should at least be double-hulled in keeping with international maritime standards, she said.

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