Gov’t rescue effort appears good only in infomercials; Fast in deploying anti-opposition forces, slow on rescue

Labor center Kilusang Mayo Uno criticized the ridiculously slow disaster response and poor rescue strategy of the Arroyo government amid the onslaught of tropical storm “Ondoy,” saying its rescue efforts appear good only in “papogi” infomercials.

KMU said while there is record rainfall, the way government implemented its disaster response has risked many lives, with only 49 rubber boats belatedly sent to pursue rescue operations for the entire Metro Manila and surrounding towns.

“Clearly, the government is not putting funds where its mouth is. All those infomercials that supposedly project disaster preparedness, especially those by Arroyo’s number one lackey Gilbert Teodoro, is only as good as on-camera scenes,” said KMU Chairperson Elmer “Bong” Labog.

“What sticks out from the aftermath of Ondoy is that the Arroyo government is never preparedto handle such emergency situations. It is very clear that those who were stranded overwhelmingly outnumber available rubber boats and members of rescue teams.

“The Arroyo regime spends public funds where direct relief can be felt least, pouring billions of people’s money on road-widening and dubious infrastructure projects, which has even contributed to the massive flooding,” Labog added.

Fast on opposition, slow on rescue

The government’s very slow rescue operations stand in contrast with its speedy deployment of armed forces and special units where opposition rallies and workers’ strike are held, according to KMU.

“It makes us wonder why it took so long for the chief executive to command an emergency response to victims of Ondoy, when military and police units are in fact sent in no time at all to factories where workers are peacefully exercising their right to strike,” said Labog.

Stupid reminders

Labog also criticized Defense Sec. Teodoro’s insulting public reminders last Saturday, which urged the public “not to clog roads” and to avoid contributing to the heavy SMS traffic by avoiding texting.

“These stupid reminders show just how callous Teodoro is to those who are struggling to find ways to respond to stranded people, a preview of the horrible national policies he might implement if his unwanted presidency pushes through,” said Labog.

No thanks to US aid

KMU also warned the Arroyo regime against receiving aid in the wake of the catastrophe, most especially from the US, saying it would only be used as condition for more unequal economic and military agreements at the expense of the people.

For its part, KMU is participating in the campaign being launched by Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) to generate relief goods for the victims of typhoon Ondoy, which is dubbed as Bayanihan Alay sa Sambayanan (Balsa, Collective Effort for the Nation). ###