House Deputy Minority leader and ACT Teachers party-list Rep. France Castro on Tuesday echoed the Senate’s call for a congressional investigation into the recent seaborne tragedy at Laguna Lake off Binangonan, Rizal that left 27 people dead.
Castro filed House Resolution 1149 expressing her deep concern for the victims and their families even as she emphasized the need to determine the cause of the accident involving the pump boat Princess Aya and hold those responsible accountable.
Two senators filed earlier similar resolutions seeking legislative inquiry into th incident.
“We cannot allow such tragic incidents to go unnoticed. It is our duty as representatives of the people to ensure that justice is served and that measures are put in place to prevent similar accidents in the future,” Castro said.
She also cited the importance of conducting a comprehensiveinvestigation to identify any lapses in safety regulations and enforcement that may have contributed to the incident.
“We need to examine if proper safety measures were in place, if the vessel was seaworthy, and if the crew had the necessary training and qualifications. These are critical questions that must be answered,” she added.
Castro also called on Congress to review existing maritime laws and regulations to strengthen safety standards and ensure the protection of passengers.
“We must do everything in our power to prevent such tragic incidents from occurring again. This includes reviewing and updating our laws to ensure the safety and welfare of those who travel by sea,” she stressed.
Castro urged her fellow lawmakers to prioritize the investigation and take swift action to address any shortcomings that may be revealed.
“We owe it to the victims and their families to do everything we can to prevent similar tragedies in the future. Let us work together to ensure justice and safety for all,” she said.