Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, vice chairperson of the Senate Committees on National Defense and on Finance, called for an immediate, transparent, and comprehensive review and utilization of the government’s disaster funds.
Go made the call following the severe typhoons Kristine, Leon, Nika, Ofel, and Pepito brought to the country, as he reiterated the need for accountability in disaster fund allocation.
"Ang pondo para sa kalamidad ay para sa mga nasalanta ng bagyo at hindi dapat nagagamit sa ibang bagay (The calamity fund is for those affected by the typhoon and should not be used for anything else),” Go said in a statement.
"Naiintindihan ko na kailangan ng ayuda, pero may hiwalay naman pong pondo at mga programa diyan na inilaan para sa mga nangangailangan. Dapat malinaw ang paggamit ng disaster funds upang mas mabilis makabangon ang mga apektadong komunidad (I understand that aid is needed, but there are separate funds and programs out there that are intended for those in need. The use of disaster funds should be clear so that the affected communities can recover faster),” he pointed out.
Based on the study of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) as of November 16, Typhoons Kristine and Leon collectively forced the preemptive evacuation of more than 168,000 individuals across nine regions, affecting over 2.4 million families and more than 9.6 million individuals.
Go noted these typhoons tragically claimed the lives of 162 people, left 137 injured, and 22 remain missing.
Typhoon Marce impacted over 110,841 families, forcing thousands to evacuate. Meanwhile, Typhoons Nika, Ofel, and Pepito collectively affected 110,410 families so far.
As huge segments of the population are affected, Go raised the importance of proper use of disaster funds as intended in accordance with existing laws.
The senator said local government units (LGUs) affected by the typhoons should tap agencies like the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for financial assistance
At the same time, Go reiterated his call for the establishment of the Department of Disaster Resilience (DRR) which is now under being deliberated by lawmakers as Senate Bill No. 188, also known as the Department of Disaster Resilience (DDR) Act.
In line with his efforts to improve the country’s disaster response framework, Go reiterated his push for Senate Bill No. 188, also known as the Department of Disaster Resilience (DDR) Act. The bill, which seeks to create a specialized agency dedicated to disaster preparedness and response, has been a long-standing priority for Go.
“Ito pong DDR ay napakahalaga dahil bago pa man dumating ang bagyo, may ahensiyang tututok sa prepositioning ng goods, koordinasyon sa LGUs, at pagsigurong ligtas ang mga kababayan natin (This DDR is very important because even before the typhoon arrives, there is an agency that will focus on the prepositioning of goods, coordination with LGUs, and ensuring the safety of our countrymen)," Go explained.
"And after the typhoon, needs will be met quickly and the lives of our countrymen can be returned to normal immediately (At pagkatapos ng bagyo, mabilis na matutugunan ang mga pangangailangan at maibalik kaagad sa normal ang pamumuhay ng ating mga kababayan)m” he said.