Aquino rejects proposed P40K aid for 'Yolanda' survivors

MANILA, Philippines - President Benigno Aquino III on Wednesday criticized victims of Super Typhoon "Yolanda" who are asking for financial assistance worth P40,000.

Speaking to reporters after an event in Manila, the President said the amount requested won't sustain the long-term needs of the families affected by the typhoon, which wrought havoc in the Visayas and left over 6,000 people dead.

"Ano ba ang magiging pangmatagalan na solusyon ‘yung 40,000 na 'yan? So 'yon hindi ko nakita," Aquino said at a televised interview with media.

"Siyempre, madaling magmungkahi, 'Halika, sumama ka dito, meron kang 40,000.' So gaano katagal kaya nila mapapangtustos 'yon sa kanilang pamilya. Maitatayo kaya nila ‘yung pamamahay nila?" the President asked.

Earlier this week, a group of 'Yolanda' survivors called People Surge attempted to enter Malacañang to personally hand their petition letter to the President.

The letter, which was reportedly signed by over 17,000 typhoon survivors, contained their immediate demands including the P40,000 cash relief, sustenance of food aid, and the scrapping of the 'No-Build Zone' policy implemented in some areas devastated by Yolanda.

Aquino said he has yet to read the petition though he assured that he will try to address each demand contained in the letter.

The President also rejected the demand to scrap the "no-build zone" policy since this prevents residents from rebuilding houses near vulnerable areas.

“'Yan naman ang hinahabol nung "no-build zone" Ilayo ka kung saan, 'yung magkakaroon nitong mga waves brought about by the storm na kaya kang lunurin, kayang gibain 'yung mga istraktura mo," Aquino said.

He said the government is now working on a "complete solution" that would address the need for disaster-resilient communities.

Aquino said he plans to revisit areas affected by Yolanda and other disasters that hit the country last year.