Palace defends Phivolcs amid calls for probe on Taal eruption

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo defended the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) amid calls for an investigation into its handling of the Taal Volcano eruption, stating that volcanic eruptions are unpredictable.

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian also defended Phivolcs, stating that no agency in the world has the technology to accurately predict volcanic eruptions and that Phivolcs did their best to issue warnings.

However, some House lawmakers, like Cavite Rep. Elpidio Barzaga Jr., are calling for a legislative inquiry into Phivolcs, citing a lack of public warnings and SMS alerts prior to the eruption.

Special Envoy of Public Diplomacy to China Ramon Tulfo also criticized Phivolcs and suggested that officials should be executed.

Netizens have rallied behind Phivolcs on social media, citing the difficulty in predicting volcanic eruptions and dismissing criticisms as grandstanding.

Philip Jamilla of rights group Karapatan stated that the complex process behind volcanic activity monitoring should not be underestimated.

President Duterte is satisfied with Phivolcs' performance, and the government will provide funds for damaged or new equipment.

Taal Volcano remains under Alert Level 4, with authorities warning of a possible hazardous explosive eruption.