Senator Villar urges help for "Ondoy" victims

CEBU, Philippines - Presidential contender Senator Manuel Villar is urging everyone to help flood victims in Manila and other parts of Luzon instead of finger-pointing as to who should be blamed for the tragedy.

“Huwag na tayong magsisihan. Magtulong-tulong na lang tayo. Kailangan na kailangan ng tulong ang mga kababayan natin doon,” Villar said in a press conference yesterday at Holiday Plaza Hotel.

Villar, the president of Nacionalista Party, thanked volunteers who trooped to the headquarters of Tulong Villar Relief Assistance for the victims of Typhoon “Ondoy.”

“The Filipino’s tested faith in God, formidable spirit and volunteerism efforts are major factors that would make our country overcome this latest disaster that hit us. Everyone has shed their political colors and set aside their political agenda to unite and extend help where it is most needed,” Villar said.

He also urged various camps to stop comparing efforts or making loaded statements about other groups and organizations considering that the country is in the midst of an emergency.

Meanwhile, opposition Senator Chiz Escudero reminded local government units in Visayas that the devastating effects of “Ondoy” could also occur in their localities if they are unable to manage the environment properly.

 “We saw how helpless the authorities were at the height of “Ondoy’s” fury. Let this tragedy be a wake-up call,” Escudero said in a statement furnished to The FREEMAN.

He said provinces in the Visayas, especially those regularly visited by typhoons, are not new to calamities brought about by the degradation of the environment.

Escudero said LGUs in the Visayas should fully implement environmental laws and allocate funds for waste management program. — Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon/LPM (THE FREEMAN)