Slow recovery from Yolanda

It has been more than a week since our county specifically the Visayas was hit by supertyphoon Yolanda. Initially, the government was rendered inutile by the devastation in affected areas, so much so that it was very slow in responding to the needs of victims.

Local and international media were united in their observation that the national government failed to institute a system for the immediate distribution of relief goods.

The government was in denial until just a few days ago when it corrected itself and instituted a system in distributing the goods especially those coming from abroad.

Foreign countries exerted unseen pressure on our government to set up a system and for someone to stay on top of the situation.

President Benigno Aquino III recently went back to Tacloban City and assured survivors of help from the national government. He has taken over the supervision of distribution of relief goods and the rebuilding of structures following the typhoon.

Reports have it the President is staying in the area between Leyte and Samar provinces for a few days. In a way I am happy that the President is an honest man and has shown what we call compassion towards the victims of Yolanda.

It is very clear that he is doing his very best to make up for his initial lapses especially in relief work that was described by some quarters as very slow and bereft of direction.

Today, relief operations are quicker and the goods are abundant. More and more assistance is coming and the government has responded very well.

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The administration is being transparent with the financial assistance for rehabilitation after the typhoon, informing donors and the public where the money is going.

I am happy with this proactive stance, which we get only with an honest man at the helm like our President.

Admittedly the President is not perfect but nobody can accuse him of committing graft and corruption.

But the same thing cannot be said of his subordinates who are allegedly involved in money-making ventures and the President is answerable for them.

I believe he is sincere in his commitment to eradicate graft and corruption so it is very important for the people to work with him and be vigilant against the grafters.

But the reality is that ridding our country of corruption is not going to be an easy task because those involved have the resources to protect themselves and even eliminate the persons who are exposing them.

Honestly, the national government is also very slow in responding to shenanigans committed by some officials. And the people hesitate to expose them because these people could make their lives miserable. They find the Office of the Ombudsman toothless and hapless.

Nevertheless, I urge them not to give up because with vigilance we can eradicate this scourge which, while not easy, is worthwhile.

Sometimes a complainant needs to have friends in the Palace in order to get a response from the national government. Sad to say this is not an assurance of action. But let us not give up on our government because this is the only one we have.

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Fr. Ramon Mores, SJ of the Sacred Heart Parish in his homily last Sunday discussed the gospel that described the end of the world.

Among the events said to lead to the ending of the world is war among nations and earthquakes. Some people are asking, considering the calamities that hit our country if the end of the world is at hand.

I think the best answer is that no one knows except God the Father. But it is very important that we persevere in prayer.