Lacson: Calamity or not, areas with fewer voters are disadvantaged

Partido Reporma chairman at standard-bearer Panfilo “Ping” Lacson explained the need for an organized manner of deploying assistance to survivors of super typhoon “Odette” and other calamities instead of coursing them through politicians who tend to reach out first to vote-rich areas.

Instead of helping areas hit hardest by calamities, politicians will prioritize areas with more voters.

“Alam mo, kasi ‘pag pulitiko ‘yung nakialam, ang uunahin nilang puntahan hindi ‘yung severely or hardest-hit areas. Ang uunahin nilang puntahan ‘yung vote-rich areas, ano, kaya maraming nagpunta doon sa malalaking probinsya, ang nakaligtaan ‘yung maliliit,” Lacson said.

In the program “Ikaw ang On The Spot: The Presidential Candidate’s Interview” on Wednesday, Lacson said coordination between the government and aid providers from the private sector is key for a more organized relief operation.

“Of course, hindi natin minemenos ‘yung pangangailangan ng ibang lugar, pero kung na-organize ‘yung pagpapadala, siguro mas systematic at saka merong, ika nga, may focus—[mas maganda].”

To hasten the assistance to typhoon survivors, Lacson said drafting an initial report and Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) should be the priority.

These reports will indicate the extent of the damage, economic losses, and other aspects that must be given focus for the recovery phase

“‘Yung PDNA kasi hindi madaling gawin ‘yan… Pagkatapos ng kalamidad, within three months kailangan mag-submit. Pero may tinatawag tayong mga initial report at kung ‘yon natugunan kaagad, ‘di siyempre focused o targeted ‘yung assistance na isinasagawa ng gobyerno pati ‘yung mga ibang pulitiko, pati ‘yung pribadong sektor, at least merong organized na pagpapadala ng mga [ayuda],” Lacson said.

Partido Reporma said volunteers and members of BRAVE movement continue to extend help to various provinces affected by the typhoon.

The assistance includes food, potable water, and materials to rebuild destroyed or damaged houses.