House probe on Navotas ammonia leak sought

MANILA, Philippines — The Makabayan bloc in the House of Representatives is seeking an investigation on the ammonia leak at an ice plant in Navotas City earlier this month.

House Resolution No. 1570 directs the committee on labor and employment to conduct the investigation related to possible enforcement lapses of the Occupational Safety Health Law and the impacts to nearby communities.

The resolution was filed by the Makabayan bloc—composed of Gabriela Women’s Party Rep. Arlene Brosas; Bayan Muna Reps. Carlos Zarate, Ferdinand Gaite, and Eufemia Cullamat; ACT Teachers Rep. France Castro; and Kabataan Rep. Sarah Elago—on February 10.

A copy of the resolution was given to the media on Monday, February 15.

“Fatal work accidents persist despite the enactment of the OSH Law, indicating the need to strengthen the national government’s labor inspections on all workspaces in the country and the need to fortify sanctions stipulated in the OSH Law,” the lawmakers said.

The ammonia leak resulted in the death of at least two workers while a number of individuals were either sickened or injured.

READ: Navotas City ice plant ammonia leak: Second fatality found

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