Corro denies politics in relief operation

CEBU, Philippines - Daanbantayan Mayor Augusto Corro denied accusations that he has politicized the distribution of relief goods to typhoon victims.

Corro together with Vice Mayor Gilbert Arrabis Jr. and other town officials involved in the relief distribution visited Capitol yesterday to submit a comprehensive report to Governor Hilario Davide III.

Davide, a political ally of Corro in the Liberal Party, supported the mayor adding that the provincial government is backing the latter and his town’s effort for rehabilitation.

 â€œI believe him. We cannot avoid ingon ana, duna man gyu’y mga critics. Even I, duna man poy mga critics, wa mouyon sa atong pang-gobiyerno pero pasagdi na sila. They are entitled of their own opinion. As far as I know, Mayor Corro is doing a good job in Daanbantayan. Unsa may pamolitika ana nga they are just doing their job?” Davide told reporters.

 Corro said that relief goods and rehabilitation materials were distributed with transparency and equality regardless of political affiliation.

 He, however, admitted that the scarcity in resources may have triggered dissatisfaction to some constituents.

Corro explained that the local government has set priorities in the distribution of assistance. According to him, most recipients are those vulnerable groups, persons with disabilities, senior citizens and those who are identified as “disadvantaged” by the local inter-agency committee “basing on a very objective guideline.”

 He added that the actual distribution of the relief and rehabilitation materials coursed through the municipality were delegated to the staff from the Budget Office, Planning, Social Welfare, Department of the Interior and Local Government, and municipal links under Pantawid Pampamilya Program.

“The tragedy that had been befallen us because of typhoon Yolanda cannot and should not be exploited by any group. I will not allow anyone or any political group to use disaster to advance their personal and political interest,” Corro said in a statement.

“I hope they will heed my message now for them to stop politicking. This is not time to play politics…please give Daanbantayan and the Kandayan-ons a break.”

 Arrabis clarified that no housing materials yet have been given by the national government contrary to the claims of some barangay captains.

As of April 9, a total of 13,370 households reportedly received shelter kits composed of eight to 12 GI sheets, carpentry tools, coco lumber and plywood while there is also ongoing construction and repair of more than 1,000 houses from private donors.

A total of 194,123 food pack varies from three kilos and three canned goods to 25 kilos of rice distributed as of April 2 in 20 barangays.

More than 10,000 persons also availed of the unconditional cash transfers amounting to P62 million also from private donors.

Corro showed the list of cash donors which amounted to P7.5 million for repair of market building, purchase of GI sheets and repair of some school buildings.

The municipality had released financial assistance to 20 barangays at P50,000 each and a supplemental budget is now being prepared incorporating  additional P150,000 each barangay for rehabilitation projects.

At least 10 barangay captains earlier filed administrative and criminal complaints  against Corro for allegedly not distributing relief goods to those who are not his political allies.

Provincial Board Member Sun Shimura, a member of the National Unity Party, earlier requested his colleagues in the board to withdraw the commendation it has given to Corro following the complaints.

The PB commended Corro for extending relief efforts in “most appropriate, equitable, prudent and efficient manner.”  (FREEMAN)