Second Cabinet meeting focuses on La Niña preparedness, drugs

The second Cabinet meeting held by the Duterte administration on Monday focused on the government’s preparations for the La Niña weather phenomenon, and its campaign against drugs.

In a text message, Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said the agenda of the meeting was “agriculture, drugs, and NDRRMC update.” Andanar was referring to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

Over the weekend, the NDRRMC reported that tropical cyclone Butchoy’s three-day stay in the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) left one dead and one missing.

Cabinet members discussed during the meeting the government's “preparedness for La Niña” although no details have been disclosed by its members.

State weather bureau PAGASA earlier said that there is an increasing possibility of La Niña developing this year.

A La Niña event is characterized by cooler than normal sea surface temperatures in the Tropical Pacific. This causes more raincloud-carrying winds to come into the Philippines from the east.

Drugs

Meanwhile, Andanar also said that “drugs” was discussed in the meeting but did not elaborate on the said issue.

Last week, Duterte disclosed the names of high-profile drug lords operating in the country as well as police officials who are allegedly protecting drug rings. He also alleged that several mayors are linked to illegal drugs.

The said Cabinet meeting was also the first time for newly-appointed housing czar and Vice President Leni Robredo. Robredo was appointed to her post via a phone call from Duterte last week. —ALG/JST, GMA News