Tulfo Files Resolution Seeking Senate Probe Into Spaghetti Wires

Senator Raffy Tulfo filed a resolution seeking a Senate investigation into hazardous overhead utility wires after a series of electrocution incidents and road accidents killed or seriously injured pedestrians and motorists, the Philippine News Agency reported.

Senate Resolution No. 776 seeks to pinpoint the parties behind poorly kept, sagging, and dangling electrical and telecommunications lines, which are popularly called spaghetti wires. Tulfo serves as the chairperson of the Senate Committee on Public Services.

Accountability and Safety Gaps

The probe will look into the liability of telecommunications companies, electric distribution utilities, internet and cable service providers, contractors, and relevant government bodies. It will additionally evaluate the collaboration among the Department of Information and Communications Technology, Department of Energy, Department of Public Works and Highways, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, and local government units.

“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 points to serious gaps in inspection, maintenance, and enforcement of safety standards governing overhead utility infrastructure.

Timeline of Incidents

The Senate resolution highlights multiple severe accidents recorded across different regions:

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April 28: A Grade 3 pupil suffered electrocution that reportedly resulted in the amputation of both hands.
January 4, 2025: A 12-year-old boy died in Imus, Cavite, after reportedly touching an energized light post that allegedly lacked adequate warning signs.
June 13, 2025: A motorcycle rider died and another was injured in San Fernando town, Cebu, when their vehicle became entangled in cables hanging across a national highway.
January 22: A motorist operating a motorcycle perished in Catmon, Cebu, after a truck hit sagging telecommunications wires, bringing down both utility poles and cables onto the street.
August 2026: A senior citizen working as a street sweeper in Valenzuela City was dragged several meters after a delivery truck became entangled in a cable.

“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,” Tulfo said.

The Senate panel will review strategies to mandate the clearance of dangerous installations, reinforce regulatory compliance, and make negligent firms and individuals answerable for mishaps linked to unsafe utility setups.

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