Press Release
June 27, 2008

National Safety Transport Board Needed
For Impartial Investigation of Land, Air and Sea Mishaps

Senator Rodolfo G Biazon today filed Senate Bill No. 2417 recommending the urgent need to create the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) which shall be an independent body and non-regulatory agency that would ensure thorough and impartial investigations of transportation accidents.

"When transportation accidents happen, investigations are normally undertaken by the very same government agencies that may have been remiss in their duties in the first place. "

Biazon cited the Board of Marine inquiry now investigating the sinking of the MV Princess of the Stars which is composed of officials from the Philippine Coast Guard, the MARINA, Philippine Ports Authority, Master Mariners, all of them stakeholders who probably should be subjected to the probe.

Biazon said among the duties of the proposed NTSB are:

1. The vigorous investigation of major accidents involving sea, air and land transport regulated by other agencies of government, determine the probable causes of the transportation accidents to save lives and reduce injuries and property damages;

2. Ensure that the survivors and families of victims of transportation accidents receive timely and compassionate assistance from the operators, other government agencies and community service organizations;

3. Continuous review, appraisal and assessment of the operating practices, safety standards and regulations of all such transportation related agencies in government;

4. Issuance of safety recommendations to national agencies and private organizations, publish accident reports and special studies directed at preventing the recurrence of such accidents.

Evaluating and making conclusions that may be critical of or adverse to any such agency and official.

Issue periodic reports to Congress and government agencies concerned with transportation safety including specific proposals for corrective legislation.

"No other government agency can properly perform such function unless it is totally separate and independent from any other department, bureau, commission or agency."

Biazon recommends that the NTSB should be composed of five full time members including a Chairman and Vice chairman all of who should have extensive training and experience in our marine, air, overland and railway transport systems and knowledge in investigation, analysis and evaluation of transportation accidents.

The Biazon bill also proposes that members of the Board be appointed by the President for a term of six years and that NO MEMBER OF THE NTSB SHALL CONCURRENTLY HOLD ANY OTHER GOVERNMENT OFFICE OR POSITION OR BE EMPLOYED IN ANY GOVERNMENT OWNED OR CONTROLLED CORPORATION OR ENTITY OR ANY PRIVATE BUSINESS ENTERPRISE WHOSE INTEREST MAY BE IN CONFLICT WITH THE BOARD'S FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES.

Biazon emphasized that the current regulatory agencies involved in the transport industry can not be expected to conduct a credible and impartial investigation on any major accident for the simple reason that such agencies themselves may be liable due to the improper or lack of implementation of pertinent laws, rules and regulations regarding transportation safety.

"The enactment of this measure is expected to ensure that all modes of transportation in the Philippines are operating safely, " Biazon concluded.

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