PNoy: Visayas rehab targets reached sooner with 'no-nonsense' Lacson

MANILA, Philippines - President Benigno Aquino III on Tuesday said having former Senator Panfilo Lacson as rehabilitation czar will hasten the reconstruction efforts in areas devastated by Super Typhoon "Yolanda."

Speaking to the media at the Bulong-Pulungan 2013 Forum, Aquino explained why he chose Lacson over a Cabinet member, who would divide his attention to his regular functions and the rehabilitation tasks.

"Having Ping Lacson at the center where he is a no-nonsense guy focused solely on the Yolanda rehabilitation will undoubtedly achieve the targets sooner. That is the primary reason why we looked at the unique capabilities of Senator Lacson to be able to deliver," Aquino said.

Lacson, who accepted the position on Sunday, said earlier that according to experts, completing the rehabilitation of typhoon-hit areas can be attained before Aquino's term ends in June 2016.

The former lawmaker said it will be fine with him if 85 or 90 percent of the rehabilitation will be accomplished.

He admitted that the reconstruction of some areas will be "daunting" but "doable."

"Talagang napakalaki ng pinsala at mukhang maraming lugar na talagang kailangang mag-start from zero, from scratch," Lacson said in a press conference on Monday.

Last November 8, Yolanda barreled through central Philippines and swept communities in Eastern Visayas with its record winds and tsunami-like storm surges.

A total of 5,680 people were reported dead while 1,779 remain missing. More than 11 million were affected in 10 regions including over four million displaced residents.

The government is now gearing towards rehabilitation from the relief phase almost a month after the tragedy.

"Napakaraming pong apektado itong trahedyang ‘to, pero ngayon pa lang ho, masasabi ko na sa inyo, tila may liwanag na kung paano natin ibabangon muli," President Aquino said in his speech.

Aquino also thanked the military and members of his Cabinet for the relief operations in the areas affected by the disaster.

The President also thanked Filipinos abroad and other nations for the outpour of support to the Philippines.

"Gusto ko rin pong pasalamatan lahat ng mga komunidad sa buong mundo ng mga Pilipino na talaga namang agarang dumamay," Aquino said. "[T]alaga naman pong damang-dama natin ang pagdamay ng napakaraming bansa sa buong mundo sampu ng ating mga komunidad sa labas ng bansa."

Related stories: Ping’s first marching order: No diversion of typhoon aid | Lacson eyes 'dictatorial, consultative' rehab leadership