Duterte to Odette victims: Remember the Eleksyon 2022 candidates who helped you

President Rodrigo Duterte urged victims of Typhoon Odette to remember the Eleksyon 2022 candidates who helped those in need.

The President made the call during his visit to the Odette-hit area of Cebu, where the Duterte family hailed from before migrating to Davao City.

“I’m not campaigning here. But since it’s nearly the election, look at the… I’m not running for a position, I can’t anymore. But look at the candidates who are here for you to be with you in your time of need and to share your pain,” Duterte said.

“Remember them. That’s my message for you. I don’t have a prepared speech. But what I can guarantee is I know that the first thing that people would ask in times of need would be, 'Where is Duterte? Where is our President?' Especially because I’m from Danao and the Cebuanos will keep on asking, 'Where is the government? Where is Duterte?'” he added.

‘The government has not forgotten you’

The President then assured the victims of Typhoon Odette that the government would help them.

He added that he could not help but shed tears over the plight of typhoon victims.

“I visited Palawan earlier today and then I came here before I go home to Davao. I came here to let you know that the government has not forgotten you. The government is working very hard, and the government is doing all that it can to find money for you,” he said.

“The problem in other areas is there’s too much debris blocking the roads so the trucks carrying relief goods can’t pass through. Just like Siargao, everything was really wiped out, all their coconut trees had been knocked down. That’s why when you go there, you can’t help but feel emotional when you look at the children. When they look at me and cry, I would have tears in my eyes as well,” Duterte added.

Given the logistical problems in transporting aid and basic needs, such as food and water, the President said that policemen would be deployed to ensure the orderly distribution of aid and to prevent looting.

“Don’t get angry that there will be policemen that will watch over you. This is to prevent any chaos. You know, it starts with a crowd control problem, but it could generate into a [mob rule]. So that’s what we’re trying to prevent,” he said.

“The money has been downloaded. [Retired] General [Eduardo] Año from the Department of Interior and Local Government will oversee everything to ensure smooth implementation. He will direct the police. The only thing we need now is your cooperation. We in government are ready, we are ready to provide. What we’re aiming for is a peaceful implementation because everyone will get their fair share,” he added.

Typhoon Odette left over 350 people dead and displaced 2.1 million people during the Christmas holidays.

The President earlier apologized for the delayed government response, saying he had to wait for a full assessment by local government units before making drastic moves. — DVM, GMA News