Senate probe on road accidents caused by live, hanging wires sought
By Dhel Nazario
Senator Raffy Tulfo has filed a resolution that seeks to investigate road accidents caused by the mishandling and improper maintenance of live wires and unattended wires.
In filing Senate Resolution (SR) No. 922, Tulfo noted that there has been an alarming increase in road accidents nationwide caused by live cable wire mishandling and improper maintenance.
Tulfo said that he received several complaints of individuals involved in accidents and suffered injuries due to some hanging wires along EDSA.
Tulfo stressed that similar cases in different parts of the country where damaged electrical posts are left unattended on roads without the needed warning have already caused heavy financial losses and resulted in the loss of lives.
“Victims of accidents caused by live cable wire mishandling often face significant challenges in pursuing recourse against the negligent parties. The difficulties faced by these victims hinder their ability to seek justice and fair compensation for injuries, fatalities, and property damage resulting from such accidents,” the resolution read.
The senator said electric companies, telephone companies and other entities involved in the installation, maintenance, and management of live cable wires should be called upon to prioritize safety protocols and standards, ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations.
He underscored the need to conduct a review of the charter and mandate of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Local Government Units (LGUs), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), City Engineering Office, and similar agencies nationwide to ensure that they are discharging their functions, more specifically in ensuring that roads do not pose risk to public safety of motorists and pedestrians alike.
These entities, Tulfo noted, shall conduct regular inspections and maintenance checks on their cable wire installations to identify and rectify potential hazards promptly
Likewise, in the event of accidents resulting from the mishandling or improper maintenance of live cable wires, the responsible entities shall be held directly accountable for any injuries, fatalities, or property damage that may occur.