Barangay officials are reportedly asking typhoon victims who they voted for in the recent village polls before handing out relief packs. There are also reports that some relief goods are being repacked and distributed with the names or images of local politicians.
Keeping out politics from the Yolanda disaster relief effort is just one of the many challenges confronting those involved in the operation, especially in the worst-hit city of Tacloban. The international community is responding in an “unprecedented†way to assist the typhoon victims, according to a United Nations official. For many days, however, the relief goods piled up in ports, with foreign teams unable to bring the supplies to victims who were starving and resorting to looting in Tacloban.
Yesterday, with the government under fire for the unfolding humanitarian crisis, delivery of the goods started picking up. But reports from the Visayas continued to cite disorganization in the effort. The lack of a coordinated and efficient delivery system was compounded by the failure of the government to rein in lawlessness for several days, despite the deployment of hundreds of soldiers and police.
The confusion continued amid reports from different countries about teams preparing to bring more relief supplies to the Philippines, including hospital beds and blankets. In the Philippines, corporations and other private groups also continue to mobilize resources for relief aid.
The least that the nation can do to express its appreciation is to make sure the goods reach their intended beneficiaries with as few problems as possible, given the circumstances. The aid should be protected from red tape, pilferage and shakedown at Customs, and taken away from the clutches of epal politicians. Improved coordination can go a long way. In responding to this calamity, the government must get its act together, and fast.