Ping turns over transition proposal for Yolanda rehab

MANILA, Philippines - Rehabilitation czar Panfilo Lacson yesterday turned over to Malacañang his “transition proposal” regarding the government’s build-back-better projects for victims of Typhoon Yolanda.

Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. made the disclosure following his conversation with Lacson, whom President Aquino appointed as head of the Office of the Presidential Assistant for Rehabilitation and Recovery (OPARR).

“According to him, he will be sending to the Office of the President the whole transition proposal for the smooth implementation of the provisions under the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Law (Republic Act 10121),” Coloma said.

Lacson stated earlier that the scope of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) should be expanded for it to be able to fulfill its mandate and rehabilitate areas devastated by natural calamities.

These are for three phases – disaster prevention and mitigation, disaster preparedness and disaster response.

Lacson said he wants out as OPARR chief, saying he has completed his job since his appointment in December last year. He said it is about time to turn over the responsibilities of his office to the NDRRMC.

“Without fear of contradiction, I will say that we got the job done,” he said, adding a one-month transition period is in store.

“The bottom line is, we are a transition body and inevitably, we will have to fold up the tent down the road,” he said.

Lacson said turning over OPARR’s responsibilities is under RA 10121 – the law that created the NDRRMC – which is subject to congressional oversight and review within five years after its enactment on May 27, 2010.