Aquino visits Muntinlupa; Arroyo, Pampanga

MANILA, Philippines – President Benigno Aquino III and former President now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo both visited flood victims Wednesday afternoon, August 8.

Aquino visited Muntilupa City, one of the worst hit areas in Metro Manila. Arroyo visited her constituents in Pampanga.

Accompanied by his celebrity sister Kris Aquino and several politician allies, Aquino boarded a military truck to check the flood situation in Tunasan village in Muntinlupa. He also distributed family food packs to flood victims.

In a short speech, Aquino assured Muntinlupa residents that the government is doing its best to provide for their basic needs. Government data shows nearly 10,000 residents are staying in evacuation centers.

Heavy rains forced Aquino to cancel his scheduled visit to evacuation centers in Quezon City and Marikina. Red rainfall alert was raised over Metro Manila at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday. Aquino instead proceeded to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) for a briefing.

Muntinlupa Rep. Rodolfo Biazon, his son Customs chief Rozzano Biazon, TESDA director-general Joel Villanueva, Aurora Rep. Juan Edgardo Angara, and former Akbayan Rep. Risa Hontiveros joined the President in his visit.

In Pampanga, Arroyo also distributed relief goods to residents of her hometown Lubao. Pampanga is among the areas placed under state of calamity.

Government data shows at least 233 barangays in Pampanga are affected by the continous rains.