Duterte to Odette victims: Don't spend gov't aid on alcoholic drinks, cockfighting

President Rodrigo Duterte called on those individuals who were affected by Typhoon Odette not to spend the government cash assistance for alcoholic drinks and cockfighting.

Duterte made the speech during his visit in Odette-hit area of Bais, Negros Oriental last December 29. The translation of the President's speech was provided on Thursday, December 30

"Now, let me ask you, have you received the P5,000 cash assistance? Not yet? Or have you spent it all? That’s what usually happens if the husband spends P5,000 on alcoholic beverages. And the wives, if they have nothing to do, they are like “Marites” and [they] keep on gossiping and playing poker," Duterte said.

The President was referring to the P5,000 cash assistance for each family affected by Typhoon Odette.

This cash assistance is different from the P5,000 cash shelter assistance for each family whose house was leveled by the typhoon.

"This money is intended for the family, especially the children. Don’t mess with me by using the money to purchase alcoholic drinks. If you do that, I’ll come back here for you and punch you. Yes, I will," Duterte said.

"If somebody reports to me that you spent your money on cockfighting, I won’t regard anybody as my friend. I will really come back for you," he added.

In a separate statement, acting presidential spokesperson Karlo Nograles said the President tasked the Department of Social Welfare and Development to provide the typhoon victims trapal (tarpaulin), family food packs, kitchenware (cooking pans), and financial assistance. 

Likewise, Nograles said the President directed the Department of Health to address the health concerns of the typhoon victims.

Typhoon Odette has left over 370 people dead and affected four million people.

At least P22 billion worth of agricultural, infrastructure, and residential damages were also recorded so far.—AOL, GMA News