Victims of ‘Santi’ cry out

MANILA, Philippines—A group of Central Luzon lawmakers has griped about Malacañang’s “minimal attention” to their constituents adversely affected by Typhoon “Santi,” while focusing its attention on the victims of quake-ravaged Bohol and Cebu.

Bulacan Rep. Linabelle Ruth Villarica led 25 representatives from Central Luzon in appealing to President Aquino to address last month’s devastation of crops and property, saying their region had not gotten enough attention from the government agencies.

Santi, packing winds of 150 kph, hit Central and northern Luzon on Oct. 12 and 13, killing 13 and causing extensive damage in rice-growing areas.

The lawmakers appeared envious of the massive rehabilitation efforts by the government in Bohol and Cebu after the 7.2-magnitude earthquake hit on Oct. 15, two days after Santi exited.

“We are also victims here. The government must help us,” said the lawmakers in a letter to Aquino.—Gil Cabacungan