Cities And Towns
House bats for one gov't agency to look after passengers' safety
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Sep 29, 2008 - 11:44:16 AM

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Oct 1 (PNA) -– The House Committee on Government Reorganization and the Committee on Transportation have agreed to consolidated bill that seeks to create a single government agency that shall ensure the safety of passengers of all forms of transportation in the country.

The consolidated bill seeking the creation of such an agency was approved last week by the two house committees, according to this city's second district Rep. Erico Basilio Fabian.

Fabian, the chairman of the House Committee on Government Reorganization, said Monday that it is of utmost importance to create such agency in order to prevent disasters such as that involving the Princess of the Stars last June.

The Princess of the Stars capsized off San Fernando, Romblon at the height of Typhoon Frank on June 21 while sailing to Cebu from Manila.

To be named as the Philippine Transportation Authority, Fabian said the agency shall formulate, implement and ensure the installation of transport security standards and procedures.

The agency shall exercise supervision and control over all notice and security agencies rendering services in the transport sector, according to Fabian.

"It shall advise the President of all matters involving transporting security," he said of the agency to be created.

The agency shall be attached to the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) for administrative supervision and control.