Yolanda: Too many actors at play

Despite existing mechanisms, the government relied on too many officials with overlapping functions as it prepared for Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) before it struck central Philippines on November 8, a Rappler investigation showed. Based on how the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council was organized, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin should have been in charge of disaster preparation and response. But he was sidelined. Other people who took charge before and after  Yolanda included Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr, Secretary to the Cabinet Rene Almendras and Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas. The result was initial chaos on the ground, delaying relief operations for survivors.

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