Gatchalian seeks Senate probe into Cebu landfill collapse

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian has filed a resolution seeking a Senate inquiry into the landfill collapse in Binaliw, Cebu, which left more than 30 people dead and several others injured.

In Proposed Senate Resolution 277, Gatchalian said the circumstances surrounding the Jan. 8 incident raise serious concerns about landfill design standards, operational practices, compliance with regulations and the adequacy of government oversight meant to protect public safety.

“If we do not straighten the rules, there is a big possibility that another tragedy like this will happen at another landslide which will bring danger to the community and workers,” Gatchalian said.

The resolution calls for an inquiry to determine the factors that led to the landfill’s collapse, assess compliance with environmental engineering and safety standards and evaluate the actions taken by national and local government agencies.

It also seeks to identify possible legislative and policy measures to strengthen safety standards for landfill operations and prevent similar incidents.

Gatchalian noted that the Binaliw tragedy is not an isolated case.

He cited the collapse of the Payatas dumpsite in 2000, which buried more than 200 people, as an example of the long-standing risks posed by poorly managed waste disposal facilities.

The proposed inquiry aims to examine whether existing safeguards are sufficient and whether enforcement mechanisms need to be tightened to prevent future disasters.