Press Release - Tulfo seeks probe on road accidents caused by live, hanging wires

Senator Idol Raffy Tulfo filed a Senate resolution seeking to investigate the frequent accidents on the roads caused by the mishandling and improper maintenance of live wires and unattended wires.

In filing Senate Resolution (SR) No. 922, Tulfo noted that there has been an alarming increase in road accidents nationwide caused by live cable wire mishandling and improper maintenance.

Recently, several complainants came to his program because they got into an accident and suffered injuries due to some hanging wires along EDSA.

Tulfo stressed that similar cases in different parts of the country where damaged electrical posts are left unattended on roads without the needed warning has already caused heavy financial losses and resulted to loss of lives.

"Victims of accidents caused by live cable wire mishandling often face significant challenges in pursuing recourse against the negligent parties. The difficulties faced by these victims hinder their ability to seek justice and fair compensation for injuries, fatalities, and property damage resulting from such accidents," the resolution read.

The Senator from Isabela and Davao said electric companies, telephone companies and other entities involved in the installation, maintenance, and management of live cable wires shall be called upon to prioritize safety protocols and standards, ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations.

He underscored that the need to conduct a review of the charter and mandate of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Local Government Units (LGUs), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), City Engineering Office and similar agencies nationwide to ensure that they are discharging their functions, more specifically in ensuring that roads do not pose risk to public safety of motorists and pedestrians alike.

These entities, Tulfo noted, shall conduct regular inspections and maintenance checks on their cable wire installations to identify and rectify potential hazards promptly

Likewise, in the event of accidents resulting from the mishandling or improper maintenance of live cable wires, the responsible entities shall directly be held accountable for any injuries,