Palace on Cabinet: All is well

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino yesterday urged his Cabinet secretaries to work together following an apparent discord between Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson and presidential assistant for recovery and reconstruction (PARR) chief Panfilo Lacson over the issue of bunkhouses for Yolanda survivors.

Malacañang insisted all was well with the Cabinet after a meeting led by the President, although Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said Aquino started the meeting by clarifying the role of Lacson.

“The PARR was appointed to ensure that post-Yolanda rehabilitation and reconstruction program is implemented effectively,” Coloma said, adding the PARR is also tasked to coordinate private sector participation in the rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts.

He said the President called on everybody to work together as Lacson’s role is to assist everyone.

Coloma said the issue on the alleged collusion among contractors, a local politician and a former poll official to get 30 to 35 percent commission from the construction of bunkhouses was not discussed during the meeting.

The allegation is the subject of an investigation by the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group.

“It is a report that was received by Secretary Lacson. He said as soon as he received the report, he referred it to the CIDG, which investigates it,” he said.

Coloma said the President called for a Cabinet meeting yesterday morning to ensure that the post-Yolanda rehabilitation program was on track and to speed up its implementation.

He said the meeting started at 10 a.m. and lasted until 1 p.m. Both Singson and Lacson were present.

Lacson earlier claimed Singson refused to furnish him with documents on the bunkhouses’ specifications to ensure they were not overpriced and complied with international standards.

Singson, for his part, said modifications had been made as he offered to resign should the bunkhouses be proven to be overpriced and substandard. He said it was up to Lacson to prove his allegations.

Coloma said there was no intention to favor one over the other as Singson was asked to explain his side of the issue.

“These are allegations. These are assertions that lack empirical validation. That’s why clarifications are necessary so the people will know what’s happening,” he said.

During the meeting, Coloma said Lacson stressed the need to speed up the cleanup in Tacloban City so rebuilding efforts can proceed smoothly and to minimize residents’ exposure to health and safety hazards.

Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon Paje reported the availability of 30 shredders that could be immediately shipped to Tacloban to help crush debris.

Aquino ordered Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II and Singson to rebuild damaged local government facilities including town halls, public markets, and civic centers. The rebuilding program, which was approved last month, is estimated to cost P4 billion.

Singson said at least 832 school sites have been cleared for rebuilding.

Health Secretary Enrique Ona reported efforts by his agency to prevent the spread of chikungunya in typhoon-devastated areas.

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima presented the National Bureau of Investigation’s report on the identification and burial of typhoon victims in Tacloban.

The President ordered the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to provide additional funds to complete cadaver identification and burial process.

Science and Technology Secretary Mario Montejo said his department is nearing completion of simulation studies on the effects of storm surges.

The DOST will submit a report on simulation studies of flood-prone areas along the country’s 18 major river systems.

Paje said his men have completed the mapping of Yolanda-affected areas where the government would implement a 40-meter no-build zone.

The President ordered the DENR and the DILG to coordinate with the Department of Tourism in rebuilding tourism facilities, such as the jetty port in Palompon, Leyte.

Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya reported that his department is waiting for the result of a study on the renovation of Tacloban Airport.

The President ordered the DBM to submit recommendations on the possibility of extending financial assistance to national government employees affected by Yolanda.