PB clash on distribution of aid in Daanbantayan

CEBU, Philippines - The members of the Cebu Provincial Board are at odds on how the distribution of relief goods to typhoon victims in the municipality of Daanbantayan was conducted.

Last November 25, former Daanbantayan mayor, PB Member Sun Shimura, filed a resolution requesting the Department of Interior and Local Government and the Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas to investigate the alleged irregularities in the distribution of goods.

“The prevalence of political color is widely observed by many, most especially by those who are allied with the local officials of the said town,” said Shimura.

He alleged that those who are not allied with the municipal officials led by Mayor Augusto Corro were not given relief goods.

The goods given by various groups were allegedly stored at the residences of Rosanni Luche, private secretary of the mayor, and Reuel Corro.

Last Monday, the PB passed a resolution sponsored by Vice Governor Agnes Magpale commending Mayor Corro for “his prudent and efficient handling of the overall relief operations” for the typhoon victims in Daanbantayan.

The same resolution of Magpale withdrew the resolution of Shimura that was earlier approved, prompting the latter to raise his objection.

Shimura pointed out that his resolution is just a mere request as representative of the people affected by the typhoon in the fourth district.

Magpale explained that with the perusal of the subject complaint of Shimura, records show that “the relief operations effort was done in the most appropriate, equitable, prudent and efficient manner.”

“Why commend only Mayor Corro? Why not commend all the mayors in the entire fourth district?” Shimura asked.

Shimura said that all other mayors also exerted efforts to help the typhoon victims such as in the towns in Bantayan Island.

Magpale moved for discussion and votation of Shimura’s objection to which the latter did not give in, knowing the majority of the PB members are allies of Magpale.

Corro is an ally of Governor Hilario Davide III and Magpale.

Meanwhile, Corro said that he cannot expect Shimura’s camp to say good things about him.

He instead alleged Shimura and his mother, former mayor Maria Luisa Loot, of having caused problems in the distribution when they selected only those to be given.

 â€œMake my day, bisan asa pa mi mag-abot, my conscience is clear, bisan asa pa mag-abot,” Corro said.  (FREEMAN)