Duterte on slow response to disasters: It’s just a story; gov’t needs to assess first

November 15, 2020

President Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday belittled criticisms that the government was slow on its response to various calamities that recently hit the country.

In a chance interview with reporters in Pili, Camarines Sur, one of the areas devastated by Super Typhoon "Rolly" and Typhoon Ulysses, Duterte said his administration has to conduct first an assessment before releasing any fund, otherwise, the officials could face charges before the Office of the Ombudsman.

“That’s just a story. When did the government move fast? You go right away and spend money, you land there with the Ombudsman,” he said.

“If that is politicking, that is a political punch line,” the President said.

Duterte said the national government is not slow in responding to the situation as his Cabinet members already have money and provide food and shelter for the people.

“What we are talking about here is providing help. All the departments have contingency plans, that’s why some of them are here. They have the money on ready,” he said.

Duterte appealed to the public to give them time to make an assessment on the calamity situation so that they can properly address the situation.

“It’s a matter of assessment. You cannot go on a spending spree without knowing what you are spending for... Give them time. Problem because that is government money, so you run the risk of (facing) cases,” he said.

The President said even the local government units have done their part in addressing the situation.

“Don’t believe in that. That’s garbage. You know, the one in-charge for preparations for emergency, long before the typhoon comes, the people are already deployed… The machineries are already in the nearest provinces which we really suspect to be prone to flood,” Duterte said.

“Look, we are government workers, what are we supposed to do in our work, sit on our ass? And even without even the typhoons coming in, if you have nothing to do might as well prepare really for the eventuality,” he said.

Duterte on Sunday visited Tuguegarao City, Cagayan and Pili, Camarines Sur to check the situation in the areas following the onslaught of Typhoon Ulysses which resulted in the death of 69 people. Ella Dionisio/DMS