Published May 9, 2021, 2:37 PM
Speaker Lord Allan Velasco has sought a review of the eight-year-old policy making mandatory the suspension of maritime travel in areas placed under Public Storm Warning Signal (PSWS) Number 1, or 36 hours before a weather disturbance occurs.
Velasco assailed the policy laid down in a memorandum circular issued by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in 2013. He said the PCG has proven to be counterproductive and detrimental to the country’s shipping and maritime industry, and the general public.
“The PCG circular has resulted in stressful delays, unforeseen cancellations, decreased economic productivity and stalled shipping services,” Velasco pointed out.