Wednesday, November 13, 2013

In the middle of Super Typhoon Yolanda, Corruption, and the Philippine Government

To PNoy, please instead of granting interviews to CNN to blame the LGUs, give thanks to the countries which have given their donations and admit that this 'apocalyptic' destruction caused by Super Typhoon Yolanda was unforeseen. The Philippines readied it self for a strong storm, like the storms that hit us. But the Philippines (like any other country) was not ready for this kind of devastation. As a report from the Los Angles Times did say: “Even Hurricane Katrina, the modern measure of nature’s disastrous force on the United States, pales when compared to the punch and expected devastation from Typhoon Haiyan.” Stop blaming people, but instead thank those who have helped us, ask for aid, and make sure that the relief does indeed reach the people in need.

I do agree with Anderson Cooper that it is because of the corruption, years of, decades of corruption that is why infrastructures in Tacloban are of that kind. Cooper mentioned in his report that infrastructures, like roads, are ruined and impassable as most of the money that has been set for the reconstruction and strengthening of  such went to the government's personal accounts. 

A government official tried to debunk Anderson's claim about the government. The government official said that the Philippines only has 3 (with only two in operations) C-130 aircrafts. Does the Department of Defense have any many to buy more of these aircrafts? How many years has the last one been purchased? Where did the budget for these go, in the government official pockets? Hay naku! Defensive on the accounts of theft and plunder. 

That it was why it is only on Day 5, when help from foreign countries started arriving, that the airport is being rid of debris. Only on Day 5! CNN also commented that the government is disorganized, which is true. Before Yolanda made landfall, I remember the DSWD saying that they have prepared relief goods. Nasan na? Stop blaming the impassable roads, but instead think of ways how help can reach the survivors. Try air dropping the goods. I hope that the officials still have pity in their hearts, more than the other officials form other nations. 

Shall we wait for the international media to condemn our system? After taking these harsh criticisms what then? The government does not even enhance nor enlarge its Relief and Disaster committees  and instead do what they have been doing the past years. Honestly, where will the Philippines be then? Our country has been used to typhoons, but when can we truly say that we are really ready for a typhoon this size, with zero casualties. I am not saying that this may be possible now, but I do hope that this will be possible soon. 

Shall we always rely on other countries (which I am very thankful for) to lend a helping hand?  With the money pouring in from the government budget, NGOs,and other countries, I hope that the government put some use to it. Hire survivors to help in handing out relief goods as well as to clear the streets. If ever there may be extra money, which I hope does not go directly to unworthy people's pockets, I hope that the government uses it in rebuiliding the hard hit areas. Award some financial aid to those who have lost their homes. Plan for a better Tacloban city. 

I do hope that the money sent by other countries for relief will be used to good use and none would be corrupted by the government officials.

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