Courts shut off Christmas lights; aid readied for Odette victims

MANILA, Philippines — To sympathize with the survivors of Odette, Christmas lights in all courts nationwide will be shut off until electricity has been restored in areas ravaged by the typhoon.

In a statement yesterday, the Supreme Court (SC) sympathized with typhoon victims in the Visayas and Mindanao, who face a bleak Christmas.

“Most areas affected by Odette will still be without power this Christmas,” the SC said. “In the spirit of the season, SC justices have decided to turn off Christmas lights in all courts and in their official residences in Baguio City until power supply is restored in typhoon-hit areas.”

Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo has approved the release of calamity assistance to court personnel affected by the typhoon.

“All court personnel have, on their own and as a group, made donations or helped out in relief operations,” the SC said.

“This is a season for compassion and kindness, for reaching out and sharing as much as we can to ease the suffering of others. Without empathy, there can be no justice,” the SC added.

Aid for typhoon victims pours

Meanwhile, the local governments of Valenzuela and Caloocan pledged to provide financial assistance to typhoon victims.

The Valenzuela city council passed a resolution, which approved the release of P26 million to help typhoon-ravaged Bohol, Cebu, Dinagat Islands, Southern Leyte and Surigao del Norte.

The city government said P9 million would be given to Cebu, P5 million to Bohol, P6.5 million to Surigao del Norte, P4.5 million to Southern Leyte and P1 million to Dinagat Islands.

Meanwhile, Caloocan Mayor Oscar Malapitan said the city government purchased relief goods for Odette victims.

He said cash collections from the donation drive were used to buy rice, canned goods, instant coffee and hygiene kits.

The relief items will be sent to typhoon victims in Bohol, Cebu, Leyte and Siargao.