Binay gives ‘personal’ help to ferry victims’ kin

Following his resignation from the Aquino Cabinet, Vice President Jejomar Binay on Monday said there’s no stopping him from extending “personal” help to the families of the victims of the tragic Ormoc sea mishap.

In an interview with reporters in Ormoc City, Binay said he would still give financial aid to the victims despite supposed lack of access to government resources.

“Tulong na personal ‘to ah. Vice President ako ngayon.  Pumunta [ako] rito para makiramay,” Binay said.

Calling the ferry tragedy as “hair-raising” and shrugging off political questions, Binay said he went to Ormoc to personally express his sympathies for the victims of the capsized MB Kim Nirvana.

The Vice President also said he would like to know whether there were possible shortcomings on the part of the government that might have contributed to the ferry capsize that left more than 60 people dead.

MB Kim Nirvana overturned after being buffeted by big waves off the Ormoc central port on Thursday while on its way to Camotes Island.

Ormoc City Councilor Godiardo Ebcas told Agence France-Presse that survivors reportedly saw about 150 sacks of cement in the cargo area before the ferry capsized. The owner and crew of the ferry are currently facing charges. Yuji Vincent Gonzales

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