LEYTE – The Philippine Movement for Climate Justice has strongly criticized President Benigno Aquino for the government’s poor and inefficient handling of disaster response in the country.
The environmental group said one example of the government’s failure was from Typhoon Haiyan that left a trail of deaths and destruction in central Philippines.
“From the very start, the Aquino Administration has failed miserably. To sum up, the Aquino government was over-confidently, inappropriately prepared,” PMJ national coordinator Gerry Arances said.
He said his group has already lined up series of mass actions that will highlight the many injustices typhoon victims and survivors had incurred in the lead up to the November 8 commemoration of the Haiyan devastation last year.
“After one year, without a clear people-centered rehabilitation plan, tens of thousands of typhoon victims are still living in tents and bunkhouses with no substantial economic activities and sustainable jobs, among others,” Arances said.
Jaybee Garganera, Alyansa Tigil Mina national coordinator, said the government should be held accountable for neglecting the welfare of victims of typhoon Haiyan.
“One concrete example of government’s neglect is when it continued to push for extractive projects in the devastated areas instead of protecting the natural resources of the country and preventing the worsening of climate change impacts and disasters. Instead of making sure that rehabilitation efforts are on the way, the government agencies and local government units ensured that mining operations continues in mineral rich areas in Samar and Leyte,” he said.
Various civic organizations have previously criticized Aquino on the same issues. There was no immediate reaction from the government on the latest allegations. (Cebu Examiner)
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