Press Release - Tolentino joins funeral for landslide victims in Talisay, Batangas; calls for PAGASA chief's resignation over inadequate weather forecasts
Talisay, Batangas - Senate Majority Leader Francis 'Tol' Tolentino on Tuesday personally visited the wake and joined the funeral for the twenty casualties of the massive landslide that struck Barangay Sampaloc, this town, at the height of Typhoon Kristine.
In an interview with reporters, Tolentino also called for the resignation of the chief of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), over what he called the weather bureau's "glaring failure" to provide more precise and accurate weather forecasts, leading to devastating consequences in communities like Barangay Sampaloc.
"I handled the budget for PAGASA last year, and we provided them with the modern equipment and monitoring stations they needed," the senator shared. "But here we are, dealing with the same old issues. They should be able to estimate the amount of rainfall."
According to Tolentino, accurate rainfall forecasts would guide communities and help them better prepare for extreme weather events, thereby reducing disaster risks.
He expressed his disappointment with the weather bureau, highlighting that he personally advocated for PAGASA's budget increase last year to improve their equipment and technology, such as Doppler radar and additional weather stations.
Asked by the media whether PAGASA is just part of the country's overall disaster response, Tolentino emphasized that the government's preparations for typhoons hinge on accurate weather data from the agency. "How can we have a whole-of-government approach if PAGASA falls short in its basic duties?" he remarked.
"As Typhoon Leon approaches, I'm asking PAGASA to announce specific rainfall amounts, not just storm signals. People need to know how much rain is expected, especially when it's double or triple the usual amount," Tolentino stated.
"Talisay is a close neighbor of Tagaytay. I've always been here to join them because we share the same experiences and struggles. During Taal's explosion, I helped, with all humility, by initiating a housing project for the relocation of 400 families. I'm now here to join them in prayer and in bringing their dearly departed to their final resting place," concluded