A SENATOR called on local government units (LGUs) to strictly enforce a Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) order mandating utility companies to maintain public safety measures in their respective areas of operation.
Senator Raffy Tulfo issued the call during a hearing on Tuesday of the Committee on Public Services to address concerns about loose electricity wires that pose dangers of electrocution among the people.
“Because of these dangling wires, many people have died from electrocution, and until now, we still haven’t found a solution to address this issue. Every city nationwide has a problem with dangling wires,” said Tulfo, chairman of the panel.
He emphasized that mayors must conduct regular inspections and clearing operations to remove or fix dangling wires before they cause harm, and warned that negligent local officials should be held accountable for accidents and injuries caused by unmaintained or hazardous wires.
“Mayors should be required to conduct inspections and carry out clearing operations. The dangling wires must be fixed,” Tulfo said.
He expressed frustration over the lack of long-term solutions despite recurring incidents involving hazardous electrical and communication cables.
The DILG previously issued Memorandum Circular 2022-036 which directs LGUs to assess and maintain the structural integrity of electric and telecommunication posts.
The memo also mandates local governments to coordinate with utility companies to prevent accidents caused by loose wires and faulty installations.
Several cities tried to implement local ordinances addressing the problem, but enforcement remained wanting, leading to persistent risks to pedestrians and motorists.
The Anti-Obstruction of Power Lines Act, signed into law in 2019, prohibits activities that could interfere with power lines, yet violations persisted due to poor monitoring and accountability.
During the hearing, the committee also discussed proposed bills concerning the regulation of drone operations in the country.
In addition, the lawmakers tackled franchise applications and renewals for Camarines Sur IV Electric Cooperative, Inc. and the First Laguna Electric Cooperative, Inc.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline “Raffy Tulfo urges local governments to fix dangling wires.”