Press Release
December 28, 2009

ANGARA TO PCG: UNDERTAKE INSPECTIONS AND ENSURE
 COMPLIANCE WITH SAFETY MEASURES

After the recent sea tragedies involving 88 passengers, Senator Edgardo J. Angara called on the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to undertake closer inspection and ensure strict compliance to standard operating procedures for all naval servicing.

"It is tragic that the year would have to come to a close with these twin maritime accidents. We ought to learn from these experiences and put in place a better safety measure and response system in times of disaster," said Angara who concurrently chairs COMSTE and the Senate Committee on Science and Technology.

The Philippines has a long list of maritime accidents, one of the most devastating could be counted back in 1987 when Doña Paz ferry collided with an oil tanker off Mindoro island, leaving more than 4,000 dead, the worst shipping disaster.

Just this year our country faced several maritime accidents - 27 people are missing as the wooden-hulled Catalyn B with 73 people on board collides with a fishing vessel at the mouth of Manila Bay. 9 people were killed after SuperFerry 9 tilts sharply and then sinks near Zamboanga City and Wooden-hulled Commander killing 12 when it cracked open and sinks just south of Manila.

Angara together with other Senators filed Senate Bill 3389 with Com. Report 549 which mandates PCG to enforce regulations in accordance with all relevant maritime international conventions, treaties or instruments and national laws for the promotion of safety of life and property at sea within the maritime jurisdiction of the Philippines and conduct port state control implementation; conduct inspections and emergency readiness for the promotion of safety of life.

Angara stressed that the country must make strides in developing a high overall level of safety measures and preparedness against maritime hazards. He said this requires coordination of authorities, help of scientists and engineers and strict implementation of standard operating procedures.

"The prevention of any threat to the well-being of the public is a continuing challenge. As a nation, we need to be ready to respond immediately and swiftly if and when any individual's life is in danger," said Angara.

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