Public warned against politicians using calamities to gain exposure

MANILA, Philippines - An official of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) yesterday urged the public not to vote for personalities perceived to have used last week’s calamity to promote their political career.

“If it would be proven that they went to these calamity areas in order to gain the people’s vote, that could be used as a basis for the people not to vote for them,” said Caloocan Bishop Deogracias Iniguez, CBCP-Public Affairs Committee (PAC) chairman.

Iniguez cited reports of senatorial wannabes accompanying President Aquino who visited evacuation sites and flooded areas in Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

Iniguez noted the criticisms that the senatorial wannabes used the visit as an opportunity for public exposure in preparation for next year’s elections.

While it was important that the President went around to look into the condition of the people and show his concern to their current plight, Iniguez said he could not discount the possibility that there were others who might take advantage of the situation.

“The people should study the candidates and determine why were they there (with the President). It is possible that they wanted to make use of the opportunity, but may be they also have good intentions. But let us not judge them immediately,” he said.

In his Central Luzon swing Friday, President Aquino brought along Aurora Rep. Juan Edgardo Angara, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) chief Joel Villanueva and former Akbayan representative Risa Hontiveros.

The three are eyeing slots in the administration’s senatorial ticket. They were also with the President in visits to some areas in Metro Manila.

Another senatorial wannabe, Customs Commissioner Ruffy Biazon, joined the presidential party in Muntinlupa City where he served as its congressman before his father, former Sen. Rodolfo Biazon, won his congressional seat in 2010.

Angara said he wouldn’t think of it as early campaigning.

“We didn’t think of that as early campaigning. We were asked to help and we didn’t think twice. Between helping and staying, I chose to help. Most would have done the same,” Angara said Friday.