Charles Teves
Vice President Leni Robredo has shown that she just cares more about the Filipino people than her rival Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr.
Both camps are currently carrying out relief operations for the victims of Typhoon Agaton in Visayas and Mindanao.
Robredo had zero excuses to help despite the challenges presented. However, the dictator’s son issued a statement to justify the setback in their mission.
Marcos said his camp was cautious in sending help as the Omnibus Election law could implicate people running for public office in vote-buying.
“Humihingi po ako ng pasensya sa ating mga kababayan dahil hindi kami agad makapagpadala ng mga tulong bagamat nakahanda naman tayo, kaya lang ay tali ang ating kamay dahil nga sa mga batas na may kaugnayan sa halalan,” Marcos said.
“Pero huwag kayong mag-alala, sisiguruhin namin na darating kami agad para magpa-abot ng tulong sa lahat ng mga apektado nating mga kababayan.”
Marcos called for the public to focus more on providing assistance and take a break from campaigning.
“Isantabi muna natin ang pulitika, unahin natin ang pangangailangan ng mga tao na naapektuhan ng kalamidad.”
Meanwhile, Robredo found a way to distribute goods without any delay despite having fewer resources.
Her team activated volunteers who aided in the relief efforts.
“We have been coordinating with volunteers since yesterday. Maraming salamat po sa ating mga volunteers na handang tumugon sa pangangailangan ng ating mga kababayan.” Robredo tweeted.
We have been coordinating with volunteers since yesterday. Maraming salamat po sa ating mga volunteers na handang tumugon sa pangangailangan ng ating mga kababayan.
— Leni Robredo (@lenirobredo) April 11, 2022
Nearly 40,000 families from 106 different barangays in Regions 10, 11, Caraga, and BARMM have been affected by Agaton’s visit.
The flooding forced 11,264 people or 3,228 families to retreat to 52 evacuation centers.
UniTeam was in Samar before the typhoon hit. The coalition played a big part in the relief operations following Super Typhoon Odette’s rampage in Butuan City, Dinagat Islands, Cebu, and Southern Leyte.
The group led by Marcos also donated millions worth of construction materials to repair damaged houses and distributed bags of rice for the victims.
Areas such as Maasin City, Southern Leyte, Butuan City, Bohol, Cebu, Siargao Island in Surigao del Norte, Roxas City in Capiz, Masbate, and Negros Occidental have all been beneficiaries of the UniTeam’s humanitarian efforts.
