Palace defends Roxas over motorcycle mishap in typhoon-battered Samar

Interior Secretary Mar Roxas. FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — At least Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II was not hurt when he fell from his motorcycle while inspecting the damage caused by Typhoon “Ruby” on Samar Island.

This was how deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte defended Roxas who drew flak after a motorcycle accident. Critics noted that he rode a motorcycle during the inspection without wearing a helmet. A photo showing the mishap was posted on social media.

“Hindi ho lahat ng daan ay passable sa mga sasakyan. Nakita po natin ‘yung sitwasyon doon. Maraming mga nakabuwal na puno, maraming mga nakaharang po sa daan,” Valte said at a press briefing in Malacañang.

“The trip from Borongan to Dolores is 65 kilometers. Matagal ho nilang nakuha ‘yung marating dahil nga marami nga hong kinilear (clear). And sometimes the mode of transportation is the only way to be able to move forward. So sana huwag na po nating bigyan ng kulay. Kawawa na nga ho ‘yung tao nandun na at sumemplang na nga ho at pasalamat po tayo – pasalamat po kami, at least, hindi ho nasaktan si Secretary Mar,” she said.

Valte said it was not only Roxas but other government officials were also forced to ride a motorcycle just to reach Dolores.

“So huwag na ho nating bigyan ng kulay. Nakikiusap naman po tayo na mag-focus na lang po tayo doon sa trabahong kailangan hong gawin ‘nung ating mga ground team at ‘yung mga kasamahan po natin dito sa Manila,” she said.