Busted moral compass

More than 72 hours since Vice President Leni Robredo started distributing relief goods to victims of typhoon Odette in various affected cities in the Visayas and Mindanao, President Rodrigo Duterte was pictured with Senator Bong Go inside a helicopter supposedly inspecting the damaged areas.

The president even lashed back at Robredo for her quick and pro-active response because Digong’s leadership style is to give orders.

Leni was on ground right after the strong winds had subsided. She was surveying the areas, even riding a motorcycle in tandem with a female driver.

While airports are operational at Bohol, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Puerto Princesa and other affected cities, the speed of transporting relief goods is critical.

Families with destroyed houses are thirsty and hungry, based on live news reports from local authorities.

The Catholic Church in the Philippines is starting its own relief drive to gather donations to be sent to the most affected areas.

Duterte meanwhile is quoted, saying there are no funds available for disaster response because government money was used for the pandemic response.

Half a dozen presidentiables can spend millions of pesos each to fund motorcades and yet they are quick to call for media coverage when they start a relief drive, targeting a few dozen families, as long as the photo-op is picked up in social media.

Pope Francis has offered prayers for those affected by Odette. But our concern should extend beyond prayers. Your prayers are good but we need relief goods.

Sen. Ping Lacson was wise to say using the Odette calamity for election campaign is the lowest form of politics.

His statement was immediately followed by video clips of rice repacking at an unknown warehouse supposedly showing the BBM camp preparing relief packs for Odette survivors.

Relief efforts by various presidentiables are closely monitored by payrolled media (including trolls) but Leni’s posts are by ordinary folks.

Nobody knew how and when Leni flew to Dinagat Island. Suddenly, local residents posted pictures of her in their midst.

Of course, paid hacks said these pics were coordinated photo-ops.

Leni’s quiet and genuine efforts could not be tainted by smear attacks. The affected residents recognize her sincere actions. She just needs additional goods to give. She needs donations which will not be short in coming from silent supporters.

She is not giving excuses. She is doing the best with what is available. Let them criticize her. We’ll wait what those critics are doing to help.

They don’t just need drinking water and food. They also need construction materials to rebuild their houses. They need the physical presence of government officials who will give them more than hope but actual material support.

Why not just extend support instead of bashing Leni? Those who criticize her for doing good surely have a busted moral compass.