Senator Bam Aquino has renewed his call to investigate the seaworthiness of maritime vessels in the country in the wake of the recent sea tragedy that claimed the lives of 36 people in Ormoc City.

“I reiterate my call to investigate whether our maritime vessels are seaworthy. Huwag na nating hintayin maulit pa ang nangyari sa Ormoc bago tayo mag-imbestiga at gumawa ng reporma,” Sen. Bam stressed.

As early as May 2014, Sen. Bam filed Senate Resolution No. 652, calling for the investigation on the seaworthiness of maritime vessels to ensure their safe and efficient operations and avoid maritime accidents.

However, the resolution gathered dust and was never heard by the appropriate Senate committee. 

“Mahalagang malaman natin kung ligtas pa bang gamitin ng ating mga kababayan ang mga sasakyang pandagat upang wala nang magbuwis pa ng buhay sa mga ganitong uri ng insidente,” the senator stressed.

In his resolution, Sen. Bam emphasized that the national government has the duty to implement positive measures that can alleviate, if not resolve, the recurring maritime accidents over the past decades.

“It should give appropriate emphasis on the seaworthiness of our vessels and must demonstrate stronger commitment in the effective implementation of the laws in order to safeguard the safety of the public,” Sen. Bam said. 

“Dapat nating siguruhin na tinutupad ng mga may-ari ng mga sasakyang pandagat ang kanilang papel na tiyaking ligtas ang biyahe ng ating mga kababayan,” Sen. Bam said.