MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Panfilo Lacson on Wednesday responded to President Rodrigo Duterte’s concerns about "depleted" government funds to address the fallout of Typhoon Odette and the presence of the Omicron COVID-19 variant in the country by pitching a strategy of his own.
During a recorded meeting aired on Tuesday night, Duterte said he was concerned that funds for COVID-19 may now be insufficient because the government also had to provide aid to victims of Super Typhoon Odette.
Related Stories
"I'm a little scared because — let me be frank to the public — the money of the Philippines is really depleted, even coping up with the growing expenses for the typhoon victims," Duterte said partially in Filipino.
"The problem is [that] far and between the days that are coming our way, celebration and all, Omicron really might slip through earlier than expected. It would require a huge expenditure again, to meet the challenges of the new variant."
RELATED: Foreign aid pours in for ‘Odette’ victims
Lacson: Mobilize gov't agencies, private sector
In a statement, Lacson suggested that the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council meet immediately in order "so the members of the Cabinet can mobilize the different agencies using their Quick Response Funds (QRF) and other relevant appropriations available under their disposal, among others."
He added that the Office of Civil Defense should be made to submit an initial Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) in areas devastated by Odette. "This will guide the president to prioritize aid and assistance based on the needs and extent of damage."
The Department of Foreign Affairs, Lacson said, should meet with ambassadors to appeal for assistance as it did in the wake of Typhoon Yolanda's onslaught.
"Meanwhile, there is also a need to organize the mobilization of the country’s business and private sector to extend assistance in order to maximize and prioritize relief and rehabilitation efforts in the hardest-hit areas," he said. "As it is happening now, efforts are disorganized and the interventions of politicians and presumptive candidates are not helping much."
"All these will help us to prepare for the possible spread of the Omicron variant of COVID-19," Lacson added. "As I have repeatedly stressed, the judicious spending of funds based on accurate data is the key."
Amid calls from other presidential aspirants for unity among candidates in Odette relief efforts, Lacson criticized "calamity politics" which he called "the lowest form of campaigning."
"If it was done through private communication, I would have responded privately as well and offered whatever resources we can share at our disposal in a coordinated effort.," he said then. "As in the past calamities, my [S]enate office as well as friends and supporters assisted without fanfare and without any media coverage."
Marcos Jr., Sara Duterte eye more RORO routes to fast-track disaster response
Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., a presidential candidate who is the son and namesake of the late dictator, in a joint statement with his running-mate Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, said the Philippines' "unique archipelagic layout is a challenge when it comes to disaster response."
"Island municipalities can be easily isolated for days, with help only being sent via airdrops and only in small quantities," the tandem said. "We believe that by having more [roll-on-roll-off] routes, we can send help faster to these affected communities."
The BBM-Sara UniTeam said it tapped its volunteer network across the country to send help to areas hit by Odette.
"Apart from providing food to the people, we need to restore electricity and telecommunications services,” Marcos said. “This can only be made possible by swift clearing operations using heavy and specialized equipment that at times need to be sourced outside of the disaster areas."
"This is the time when our Ro-Ro network can help." — Bella Perez-Rubio