Albay OKs ordinance vs hoarding relief goods

LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines – The Albay Provincial Board has approved an ordinance that would penalize hoarding of relief goods, equipment and other aid commodities.

Non-distribution of relief goods within one month after its receipt is considered hoarding under the measure.

Also known as the Albay Anti-Hoarding of Relief Goods, Aid Item and Commodity Ordinance, it penalizes those who would use inflated data to support request for funding.

The ordinance also bans the sale, confiscation, diversion, acceptance, possession and use of aid commodities and equipment. It penalizes officials who misrepresent the source of relief goods and equipment.

The measure is seen as Albay’s response to reports that some officials are mishandling the distribution of relief goods for Mayon Volcano evacuees.