Lacson warns of politicians helping public for personal gain

Senator Panfilo Lacson on Wednesday warned of politicians who are helping pandemic and calamity victims for personal gain.

"During a pandemic and after a calamity, two kinds of politics emerge - the politics of service helps the victims; the politics of interest helps the politicians," the presidential aspirant said in a tweet.

He reminded the public that what the country needs is a politician whose help is "anchored on service, not one based on self-interest."

He then lauded government troops who continue to extend aid without fanfare.

Lacson mentioned the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine Coast Guard who quietly helped in delivering relief assistance to areas badly hit by Typhoon Odette.

"When the cameras and photo ops stop and the victims are in danger of being forgotten, that's when the real heroes emerge," he said.

He also reiterated his stance against “calamity politics."

In December, Lacson did not heed the call of presidential aspirant and fellow Senator Manny Pacquiao to set aside politics and band together to help typhoon victims.

“If it was done through private communication, I would have responded privately as well and offered whatever resources we can share at our disposal in a coordinated effort. Since it was done through media - it goes against my principled belief that 'calamity politics' is the lowest form of campaigning. In fact, I consider it abominable,” Lacson previously told GMA News Online in a text message.

“As in the past calamities, my Senate office as well as friends and supporters assisted without fanfare and without any media coverage. We did it in Cagayan Valley, and Bicol region and some other areas hit by strong typhoons. Election or no election, we assist and help, period,” he said. — VBL, GMA News