(POLITIKO) With the anticipated influx of travelers during the Undas holiday break, Senator Jinggoy Estrada reminded coast guard and maritime authorities to ensure passenger vessels are seaworthy.
According to Estrada, sea vessel inspections are crucial to ensure the safe and smooth travel of Filipinos going to the provinces.
“Inaasahan din na natin na marami sa ating mga kababayan ang uuwi sa kani-kanilang probinsya kaya’t mahalaga na masiguro ang kanilang kaligtasan. Nais nating bigyan ng kapanatagan at kumpiyansa ang mga pasahero sa kanilang paglalakbay at maiwasan ang mga sakuna lalo na sa mga sasakyang pandagat,” he said in a statement on Oct. 27.
“We expect the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) to conduct comprehensive inspections to ensure the seaworthiness of all vessels,” he said.
In the inspection of sea vessels, Estrada urged authorities to double check the availability of life-saving equipment, adherence to passenger capacity limits, and compliance with safety standards.
“It is our collective responsibility to ensure that their journeys are safe and free from any undue risks,” he said.