Typhoon Buwaya: On naming storms after the corrupt

Michael Bueza

This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.

The petition on Change.org addressed to the weather bureau has received mixed reactions

MANILA, Philippines – An online petition asking the national weather bureau to name storms after corrupt politicians received mixed reactions from netizens.

The petition “Pagasa: Start Naming Typhoons After Corrupt Politicians and Grafters” was posted on the website Change.org by Ismael Tomelden of Marikina City on Tuesday, September 3.

It was addressed to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).

Tomelden argued that “the devastation they cause is so great, Mother Nature can’t even compete with them for the destruction of life and property.”

READ: Netizens want storms named after corrupt politicians

Some online users were amused with the idea:



Netizens were also quick to suggest new names, including personalities and former Presidents who they think are corrupt.

Some names are involved in or connected to the “pork barrel scam” – the misuse of the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) of senators and congressmen – which continue to make headlines.



 

Users in Rappler’s Facebook page also sounded off with their opinions and more name suggestions.

‘Let’s be serious’

Meanwhile, others expressed their disagreement.

Commenter KawawangJuan1 told online readers to better educate Filipinos instead on voting wisely during elections. “All Pinoys should be informed [instead] of the effects of vote-buying and electing corrupt officials!” he said.

A Twitter user also raised the complexities of this petition:


 

Here are other dissenting comments from social media:




 

As of 9:30 pm on Thursday, September 5, the petition has collected 1,893 online supporters over two days.

In contrast, the petition to save Mali the elephant in Manila Zoo is close to reaching 75,000 signatures as of this posting. It hit the 50,000-mark on January 9, 2013, according to the petition page. – Rappler.com

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Michael Bueza

Michael is a data curator under Rappler's Tech Team. He works on data about elections, governance, and the budget. He also follows the Philippine pro wrestling scene and the WWE. Michael is also part of the Laffler Talk podcast trio.