Palace: Yolanda won’t define Aquino presidency

Natashya Gutierrez

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President Aquino is more realistic than his spokesman, admits people will judge his term partly based on his handling of super typhoon's aftermath

AQUINO'S PRESIDENCY. Malacañang disagrees Yolanda will define the presidency of President Benigno Aquino III. File photo by Malacañang Photo Bureau

MANILA, Philippines – The criticisms on the government’s preparations and relief efforts in the aftermath of Super Typhoon Yolanda (international name Haiyan) have been widespread – from both local and international media, as well as Filipino netizens.

The Palace, however, disagrees with the opinion that the government’s handling of Yolanda will dictate how Aquino’s presidency will be remembered. On Wednesday, December 4, it again defended the administration’s efforts in the face of the world’s strongest typhoon.

Communications Secretary Sonny Coloma pointed out the storm was of “unprecedented magnitude, not just in this country, but anywhere else in the world including first world countries,” suggesting that basing Aquino’s presidency on Yolanda alone is unfair.

“Reasonably speaking, the challenges that it presented were of a different order of magnitude than what the country had experienced before,” he said.

Coloma said the government has also been open to “accept[ing] observations regarding shortcomings, and we had been most willing to accept suggestions for improvement.” 

Aquino’s presidency, he said, will instead be defined by how it is able to rally its people.

“What will define this administration is its ability to inspire our people to do what is needed, to rebuild our communities, and to manifest the legendary ‘bayanihan’ spirit of the Filipino people,” he said.

A day earlier, in a media forum, Aquino too acknowledged the same concern but was more practical about the effect of Yolanda on the people’s perspective of his administration. He admitted his handling of the typhoon may be “part of [what will define] it.”

He too defended government efforts, however, questioning why media focused mainly on negative aspects of disasters.

“Going to these areas, getting just the initial information, did you think we’ll get any data from them right after Yolanda passed through?” he said.

Aquino also expressed confidence that his survey ratings would again rise after a recent drop from 64% in June to 49% in the third quarter of 2013. The latest survey period did not include the period of Yolanda. He said he felt his presidency would be judged on whether he made the right decisions.

“I really have to stick with doing what I believe is right. Our people, I believe, are fair judges and they have been a constant source of support all throughout when we had nothing and I expect that the numbers will rebound, in case they do go down, but that is not the important thing,” he said.

“The important thing is: Will our people see me as doing that which is right? And that is what is important to me.”

On November 8, Yolanda ravaged central Philippines leaving almost 6,000 people dead and over a thousand more missing. It flattened entire towns and cities, taking away people’s livelihood. (READ: No food for 4 days in Guiuan Islands)

Meanwhile, Coloma gave assurances rehabilitation efforts are ongoing in typhoon-ravaged areas.

“The Cabinet continues to do their homework in fleshing out, and concretizing particular rehabilitation plans and programs within the scope of the mandate of each department concerned,” he said.

He also said former senator and newly appointed rehabilitation czar Panfilo Lacson has started doing his work “coordinating with stakeholders” and “gathering inputs, suggestions and information” even when an executive order on his new position has yet to be released. – Rappler.com

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Natashya Gutierrez

Natashya is President of Rappler. Among the pioneers of Rappler, she is an award-winning multimedia journalist and was also former editor-in-chief of Vice News Asia-Pacific. Gutierrez was named one of the World Economic Forum’s Young Global Leaders for 2023.