Marcos wants probe on procurement, installation
PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered an investigation into the procurement and installation of supposed “substandard” security bollards at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), along with their immediate replacement, in the wake of a gruesome accident last Sunday that left two dead, including a five-year-old girl.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro, in a briefing at Malacañang, said the bollards that were supposed to block vehicles at the NAIA Terminal 1 were installed during the Duterte administration under then Transportation secretary Arturo Tugade.
“Ito po ay July 2019 nu’ng na-install po ang mga ito. Pina-iimbestigahan na po kung paano po ang naging procurement pati iyong specifications, iyon po ay sa pag-uutos po ng Pangulo (This was installed in July 2019. This has been ordered investigated, the procurement process, the specifications. That was the order of the President),” she said.
Castro said Marcos also directed Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon to conduct further inspections and to immediately replace the bollards to prevent a repeat of the incident.
“Nakakalungkot po, may mga nasawi dahil sa diumanong depektibo na bollards na na-install po sa NAIA Terminal I. Sa pag-uutos po ng Pangulo at ito po ay tutugunan kaagad-agad ni Secretary Vince Dizon. At pati po ang pag-i-inspect sa mga bollards at ang mabilisang pagpapalit po dito para sa safety po ng nakakarami (It is sad that people died because of the alleged defective bollards that were installed at the NAIA Terminal I. On orders of the President, this will be attended immediately by Secretary Vince Dizon, along with the inspection of the bollards and immediate replacement for the safety of everyone),” she said.
The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) and the San Miguel Corporation (SMC) are looking into why the bollards failed to stop a sports utility vehicle from plowing into passengers queuing at the facility last Sunday.
Last Monday, the President said those responsible for the accidents at the NAIA and the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) should be held accountable.
Marcos also extended his heartfelt condolences to all the families who have lost loved ones in the two accidents and ordered the immediate review of driver licensing procedures to ensure that only fit, capable, and responsible individuals —whether driving public or private vehicles — are allowed on roads.
He has also ordered the conduct of a nationwide audit of bus operators, with sanctions for those who fail to comply with safety and maintenance standards.
He also ordered a crackdown on unsafe and exploitative practices in the transport sector “because driver fatigue, long hours, and pressure to meet quotas should never put lives at risk.”
FURTHER STUDIES
Castro said further studies should be held on the proposed mandatory drug and alcohol testing of public utility drivers amid calls from the Pinag-Isang Samahan ng Tsuper at Opereytor Nationwide to reconsider, as it is being rolled out at the time of the PUV modernization program.
Piston also said that without proper safeguards, the practice can be used for surveillance and control.
Former Senate President Vicente Sotto III and Sen. Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel also said there is no need for the drug testing every 90 days, with Sotto warning that it could become a money-making scheme.
Castro said the proposed measure should not be judged immediately.
“Dapat pong pag-aralan, kasi ito po ay kailangan din po. Tandaan po natin ang inaalagaan po dito iyong safety po ng commuters, ng mga passengers, ng mga tao na gumagamit ng kalsada, including na rin po iyong mga drivers (It should be studied, because this is also necessary. Let’s remember that what is being taken cared of here is the safety of commuters, passengers, people using the road, including drivers),” she said.
“Hindi po ito basta-basta maaaring sabihin na huwag na lang gawin kung ito naman po ay makakasama sa safety. So, pag-aaralan pa rin po ito at huwag naman po natin agad husgahan na ito ay isang money-making device or strategy (We will still study this and let’s not immediately judge that this is a money-making device or strategy),” she added.
CONDOLENCES
The President, during the oath-taking of newly-promoted Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) officers at Malacañang, offered prayers for Seawoman 2nd Class Janica Alinas, who was one of the 10 persons who died at the SCTEX incident.
“Let us take a moment to honor and remember Seawoman 2nd Class Janica Rendoque Alinas. She’s no longer with us but her courage and dedication continue to live on. Allow me to extend my deepest condolences and prayers to the family and the Philippine Coast Guard community,” Marcos said.
Alinas and her husband were among the 10 who died when a bus of the Solid North Transit rammed into several vehicles at the SCTEX Exit tollgate in Tarlac on May 1. Their two-year-old son survived.
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian personally condoled with the family of the couple and handed cash assistance last Monday night. The DSWD gave a P50,000 burial assistance to the families of each of the 10 victims.
Gatchalian said DSWD would also help link the bereaved family with other national government agencies so they could receive other forms of aid
The agency is also assisting the Alinas family in coordinating with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to remove the pictures of the couple’s child that have been posted on the internet.
Gatchalian also visited the wake of one of the people who died in the NAIA accident and handed cash aid.
NEGATIVE TESTS
The PNP Aviation Security Group (AVSEGROUP) said the driver of the SUV, Leo Gonzales, 47, tested negative for alcohol and drug tests.
“Following his arrest, the suspect underwent a series of tests and medical evaluations,” AVSEGROUP said in a statement last night.
“Both his alcohol and drug tests yielded negative results. A physical examination also revealed no visible injuries at the time,” the statement added.
AVSEGROUP said the driver is now facing charges of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide, multiple physical injuries, and property damage, which were lodged before the Pasay City Prosecutor’s Office.
“AVSEGROUP assures the public that justice will be pursued to the full extent of the law. We remain steadfast in our commitment to safeguarding lives and maintaining peace and order within airport premises,” it said.
It said it is coordinating with airport authorities and other concerned agencies “to ensure a thorough and impartial investigation into the incident.”
Col. Cesar Lumiwes, chief of the PNP Aviation Security Unit-National Capital Region, told TV Patrol that Gonzales was not under the influence of alcohol or drugs when the incident happened.
Lumiwes said the driver got confused, stepping on the gas instead of the brake.
“He said he was confused and lost control (of the vehicle),” said Lumiwes, adding Gonzales, who has a professional driver’s license, had just dropped off his employer at the airport before the accident occurred.
Lumiwes said the deaths could have been avoided if the bollards were strong enough. He added there is a need to make the bollards stronger or larger so that when a similar incident occurs, they will serve their purpose.
‘WORTH EXAMINING’
Senate president pro tempore Jinggoy Estrada said the order requiring public utility vehicle drivers to undergo regular drug and alcohol testing is a “proactive step” to ensure road safety, adding “it is worth examining” if this should be legislated.
Estrada said a review of RA 10586, or the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013, should be held to determine if the regular mandatory drug testing of PUV drivers can be included in the measure.
Estrada is one of the co-authors of RA 10586.
“It is worth examining whether this should be legislated as it raises important considerations regarding long-term enforcement and sustainability. Marahil panahon na para repasuhin namin ang bagay na ito sa Kongreso kung dapat palawakin ang saklaw ng umiiral na batas (I think it’s time to review this in Congress to determine if there is a need to expand the law),” he said.
Sen. Grace Poe said she supports the DOTr order to ensure that PUV drivers are always fit to work.
“While I support measures that promote safety, I urge the Department of Transportation to consult stakeholders, including driver groups and medical experts, to ensure that the policy is science-based and not overly burdensome,” she said.
“But the question is, who will bear the costs of these tests? DOTr can look into a socialized program to fund this. Funding for road safety must be an essential component of DOTr’s budget,” she added.
Sen. Raffy Tulfo urged the Land Transportation Office to be doubly strict in screening individuals who apply for driver’s licenses to ensure that only competent individuals are given the privilege to drive a motor vehicle.
“Dapat mas maging mahigpit ang LTO sa pag-screen ng drivers na bibigyan ng lisensiya, at siguruhing sila ay may sapat na driving skills at mentally-fit na magmaneho (The LTO must be stricter in screening individuals and make sure that they have the driving skills and are mentally-fit before they are given a driver’s license),” Tulfo said.
Tulfo, who chairs the Committee on Public Services, said accidents are not intentional and can be prevented through proper driver education and training, and vehicle maintenance.
He said this is the reason why he conducts inspections on transport terminals – to ensure that public utility vehicles are well-maintained, and that operators strictly implement LTFRB Memorandum Circular No. 2017-012, which states that public bus drivers should not exceed six hours of work.
Tulfo said authorities should always check if public utility bus operators are abiding by the Labor Standards Compliance Certificates issued to them, which state, among others, that their drivers should have the proper training so they know how to respond to emergencies.
Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian said the government must ensure the safety of children by making roads safer amid a UNICEF report that “Filipino children lose their lives on our roads every day.”
“I urge the government to ensure the presence of safe, child-friendly infrastructure and strictly enforce road safety laws. Our schools and communities should treat road safety education as a priority, as children are among the most vulnerable to road dangers,” he said. – With Victor Reyes and Raymond Africa
