Palace respects Pineda's 'let us pray' remarks, but says gov't still there

After Pampanga Governor Lilia Pineda drew flak for her statements urging citizens to pray to God amid all these calamities, Malacañang said that it respected such statements but emphasized the government still has responsibilities to its people.

In an interview with GMA News’ Unang Balita, Pineda said that there was no one who could stop severe floods except for God, adding that the government could not do it all.

“Igagalang po natin kung anong mensahe mismo ni Governor Pineda dahil siya po ang nakakaramdam nito. Wala naman po sigurong masama kung talagang sama-sama rin tayong mananalangin dahil sabi nga po natin isa sa mga dahilan ng ganitong klaseng unos ay climate change— isa lamang ito maraming factors,” Castro said in a press conference on Tuesday.

(We respect Governor Pineda’s message because she herself experienced it. There is nothing wrong if we pray together because these types of calamities are a result of climate change—this is one of the factors.)

The Palace said that it would be difficult to dictate how officials relay their messages to their constituents, so it is up to the people how they receive these types of statements.

Castro also agreed with Pineda that it was difficult for the government to do it all alone, as it needed collaboration with citizens. For example, in areas prone to disaster, the public should follow the “no-build zone” rule, she said. It is up to the local government unit to implement these rules however, added Castro.

The Palace official reassured the public that they will not be left behind by the government, but stressed that the government also needs the people’s collaboration and compliance to get through calamities.

“Ang gobyerno po ay laging nandidiyan, ang pagbibigay ng ayuda ay nandidiyan. Pero kailangan din po kayo ng gobyerno para mas gumaan ang nararanasan nating mga delubyo, kasi kayo rin po ay may responsibilidad para sa ating pamahalaan,” Castro said.

(The government is always there, the giving of aid is there. But the government also needs you to lighten the effects of these hazards, because you also have a responsibility to the government.) —RF, GMA News