Tolentino hits weather bureau over storm fatalities

MANILA, Philippines – Senator Francis “Tol” Tolentino criticized the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa)  for the high number of fatalities due to Severe Tropical Storm Kristine.

According to Tolentino, if Pagasa provided accurate data on the volume or intensity of rainfall in specific areas, affected local government units and residents would have prepared more accordingly.

He said that last year, he advocated for an increase in Pagasa’s budget to acquire additional equipment.

The government’s preparedness measures, Tolentino said, are based on the information provided by Pagasa.

He emphasized that if Pagasa cannot provide accurate data on rainfall, it might be better for its leaders to step down.

He, however, noted that the matter is all up to President Marcos Jr.

Pagasa  Administrator Nathaniel Servando has yet to responded to Tolentino’s statement.

Tolentino issued the challenge after extending his sympathies to the families of the 20 victims of a landslide in Talisay, Batangas.