Senator Raffy Tulfo raised concerns over Hiraya Water Corporation’s business registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission, questioning how the company can operate as a public utility while listing restaurants and entertainment venues as part of its business. Tulfo, chair of the Senate Committee on Public Services, highlighted discrepancies in the company’s filings, which include non-utility activities despite its role in water services.
The senator also addressed the rights of Filipino seafarers, calling for policies that protect workers from dangerous voyages through the Strait of Hormuz. Following an attack that killed two Filipino crew members on a Saudi-flagged oil tanker, Tulfo urged the Department of Migrant Workers to ensure seafarers can refuse such missions without losing their benefits.
Both issues underscore Tulfo’s focus on regulatory oversight and worker protection. While Hiraya Water’s registration remains under review, the seafarers’ rights debate continues as authorities seek to balance economic interests with safety concerns.
