Press Release - Tulfo holds first consultative meeting as new Public Services Committee Chairperson

Sen. Idol Raffy Tulfo, as the new Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Public Services, convened various government agencies in a first consultative meeting in the Senate yesterday (June 10) to discuss several issues and concerns involving transportation, telecomunications and utilities and franchises.

For one, they discussed the current upimplementation of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) of the Department of Transportation (DOTr). Tulfo questioned the plan to import modern jeepney units from China instead of dealing with local manufacturers who can make said jeepneys at a lower cost.

Tulfo also advised DOTr to change and improve their system to reduce congestion and other road problems.

In speaking with the leadership of MRT-3, Tulfo expressed concern over the frequent train breakdowns and other maintenance issues of elevators and escalators in various stations.

The Senator from Isabela and Davao likewise underscored the need to replace the current MRT-3 maintenance service provider, Sumitomo Corporation, with better provider to avoid more problems involving MRT-3.

Meanwhile, Sen. Tulfo reminded the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) to ensure that no more passenger boats would sink during his term as Public Services Chairperson.

He also obliged them to implement stricter monitoring and sea worthiness inspections before allowing boats to sail, noting that there should be sufficient availability of life vests and life boats for their passengers.

Sen. Idol also took time to discuss the problems he sees with VIP chartered planes that do not anymore go through rigorous screening process in the airport. In here, he is worried that passengers could smuggle contrabands in and out of the country that's why he promised to support the budget of the DOTr to build processing centers in airports for said airplanes.

After dismissing said meeting, Tulfo asked each agency present to submit their respective accomplishments and assessmnt reports to his office so that he could study them and pass an appropriate policy.

Tulfo, pinulong ang iba't ibang ahensya bilang bagong Chairperson ng Senate Committee on Public