President Rodrigo Duterte apologized to the typhoon “Odette” victims in Negros Oriental for the delay in the distribution of government relief on Wednesday, December 29.
The president, in his speech in Bais City, said “I couldn’t do anything about it, but even if it’s not my fault, I still want to ask for your forgiveness”.
He said the release in government financial assistance was delayed by legal procedures that needed to be followed.
The law requires an assessment and a report of the damage inflicted by the typhoon before funds can be released, he said.
“Please forgive us because government is very strict when it comes to that. I would feel sorry for the people in charge of the distribution if they haven’t completed the requirements for the distribution. They might go to jail for that,” he said.
Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles, acting presidential spokesman, in a statement Thursday said Duterte visited and interacted with the typhoon victims in Negros Oriental.
After assessing the damage, the President instructed the Department of Social Welfare and Development to provide the typhoon victims trapal (tarpaulins), family food packs, kitchenware (kaldero), and financial assistance, Nograles said.
Duterte also directed the Department of Health to address the health concerns of the typhoon victims.*