Arroyo urges fellow solons to prioritize ‘Pablo’ victims

Former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. AP FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Wednesday urged fellow members of the House of Representatives to “set aside legislative work” to extend help to those affected by Typhoon Pablo (international name Bopha).

In a statement, Arroyo who now represents the second district of Pampanga, said the “government should always be at the forefront of trying times like this.”

The former President, who is presently under hospital arrest for charges of plunder, said that helping distressed countrymen should come first.

One lawmaker who is taking time off from work at the House of Representatives is Compostela Valley (first district) Representative Ma. Carmen Zamora, who is now on her way to her constituents.

In a text message to reporters, she said that her district was the first to receive a heavy blow from the typhoon and appealed for help.

The House of Representatives has been working overtime to pass key measures before they go on Christmas break. One of these is the controversial Reproductive Health Bill, which President Benigno Aquino III has urged legislators to vote on.