Senator Win Gatchalian has filed a resolution calling for a Senate investigation into the deadly collapse of a landfill in Barangay Binaliw, Cebu City, which left over 30 people dead and several others injured.
Filed as Senate Resolution No. 277, the measure seeks to determine the causes of the January 8 incident, including possible lapses in the landfill’s design, daily operations, regulatory compliance, and government oversight meant to safeguard surrounding communities and workers.
“Kung hindi natin maitutuwid ang mga panuntunan, malaki ang posibilidad na maulit ang ganitong trahedya sa iba pang mga landfill na maglalagay sa panganib sa mga komunidad at maging sa mga manggagawa,” Gatchalian said.
The proposed inquiry aims to examine both the immediate and underlying factors behind the collapse, assess adherence to environmental engineering and safety standards, and review the roles of national and local government agencies.
Gatchalian said the investigation should pave the way for legislative and policy reforms to strengthen safety regulations for landfill operations nationwide.
He also stressed that the incident was not an isolated case, recalling the deadly 2000 Payatas dumpsite collapse in Quezon City that claimed more than 200 lives.