Senate probe into ‘spaghetti wires,’ electrical hazards sought
MANILA, Philippines — A Senate inquiry into accidents and public safety hazards caused by dangling and poorly maintained electrical and utility wires is being sought following several reported incidents involving motorists, pedestrians, and children.
Senate Resolution No. 776, filed by Sen. Raffy Tulfo on Wednesday, seeks to direct the Senate Committee on Public Services to conduct an inquiry in aid of legislation into accidents, electrocutions, and other hazards caused by low-hanging, improperly installed, and poorly maintained electrical and overhead utility lines, cables, and poles.
Tulfo, who chairs the committee, cited several incidents featured on his program including the April 28 electrocution of a Grade 3 pupil whose hands had to be amputated because of the severity of the injury.
The resolution also cited the March 18 documentation of dangling “spaghetti wires” in Valenzuela City, which posed risks to motorists, pedestrians, and residents.
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Other incidents cited in the resolution included an August case involving a senior citizen street sweeper in Valenzuela City who was dragged several meters after a delivery truck became entangled in a cable. The incident left the victim seriously injured and requiring surgery.
According to Tulfo, the recurring incidents underscore the need to identify the owners of hazardous utility lines.
He also sought to determine the responsibilities of utility companies and public authorities to establish clear inspection and reporting mechanisms.
“There is likewise a need to assess the adequacy of existing laws, regulations, local ordinances, permit requirements, safety standards, inspection mechanisms, penalties, procedures, as well as remedies available to victims of accidents and electrocutions caused by unsafe electrical and overhead utility infrastructure,” Tulfo added in his measure.
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The proposed inquiry also seeks to strengthen coordination among government agencies, including the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, local government units, and the Transportation, Public Works and Highways, Information and Communications Technology, and Energy departments.
In addition, the Energy Regulatory Commission, National Telecommunications Commission, electric distribution utilities, telecommunications companies, cable service providers, internet service providers, and contractors are also identified as stakeholders that must coordinate to ensure public safety. /dp
