(Photo courtesy of PNA)
MANILA, Philippines – Senator Raffy Tulfo has filed a resolution seeking a Senate investigation into hazardous overhead utility cables following a series of electrocution incidents and road accidents that resulted in deaths and serious injuries.
Tulfo, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Public Services, said Friday, November 13, that Senate Resolution No. 776 seeks to determine accountability for dangling, low-hanging and poorly maintained electrical and telecommunications cables, commonly known as “spaghetti wires.”
“The continued occurrence of such incidents demonstrates the need to identify the owners of hazardous lines, determine the respective responsibilities of utility companies and public authorities, establish clear inspection and reporting mechanisms, and ensure prompt removal, repair, relocation, or securing of unsafe facilities,” Tulfo said.
The resolution cited several incidents involving unsafe electrical and telecommunications infrastructure.
Among them was the electrocution of a Grade 3 pupil on April 28, which reportedly resulted in the amputation of both hands.
Tulfo also cited the death of a 12-year-old boy in Imus, Cavite, on January 4, 2025, after he reportedly touched an energized light post that allegedly lacked adequate warning signs.
In San Fernando, Cebu, a motorcycle rider was killed and another injured on June 13, 2025, after their vehicle became entangled in cables hanging across a national highway.
Another motorcycle rider died in Catmon, Cebu, on January 22 after a truck struck low-hanging telecommunications wires, causing cables and utility poles to collapse onto the road.
The resolution also highlighted an August 2026 incident in Valenzuela City, where a senior citizen working as a street sweeper was dragged several meters after a delivery truck became entangled in a cable.
Tulfo said the incidents raised concerns over the inspection, maintenance and enforcement of safety standards for overhead utility infrastructure.
“There is likewise a need to assess the adequacy of existing laws, regulations, local ordinances, permit requirements, safety standards, inspection mechanisms, penalties, procedures, as well as remedies available to victims of accidents and electrocutions caused by unsafe electrical and overhead utility infrastructure,” he said.
The proposed Senate inquiry will examine the responsibilities of electric distribution utilities, telecommunications companies, internet and cable service providers, contractors and government agencies in maintaining safe overhead installations.
It will also review coordination among local government units, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Energy, Department of Information and Communications Technology, and other regulatory bodies.
Tulfo wants the investigation to identify gaps in existing regulations, strengthen inspection and reporting procedures, and establish clearer accountability for utility companies and contractors responsible for hazardous installations.
The Senate committee will also study measures to require the immediate removal, repair or relocation of dangerous cables and utility structures, as well as stronger penalties for negligence.
The proposed inquiry aims to prevent further accidents and improve public safety by ensuring that overhead utility infrastructure is properly maintained and regulated.
