Typhoon Ondoy 's Aftermath: Politicians Must Help, Not Campaign

I got it from http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20091002-228033/Nograles-to-politicians-helping-Ondoy-victims-Just-help

Speaker Prospero Nograles advised politicians to do just this, away from the glare of the media and devoid of publicity gimmicks when they engage in relief efforts for the flood victims of storm Ondoy (international codename: Ketsana).




The House leader lamented that that names and faces of politicians are spread on relief packs being distributed to flood victims. Some of the volunteers in the relief missions are also wearing shirts with the name and face of politicians, he said.

Presidential aspirants have also been making the rounds of flooded communities in Metro Manila to be at the forefront of giving relief items.

Senator Manuel Villar of the Nacionalista Party dropped food packs from his chopper, while the Liberal Party tandem of Senator Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III and Senator Manuel Roxas II handed out goods in Metro Manila, Rizal and Bulacan.

Senator Francis Escudero and Senator Loren Legarda, said to be the frontrunners of the Nacionalist People’s Coalition, are also distributing relief goods.

“It's very embarrassing at this time because the entire world is watching us. We should provide help without asking anything in return. There is a right place and time for such political activities,” he said.

While some have taken advantage of the calamity to gain political mileage, the same thing could not be said of the standard bearer of the administration party, Lakas-Kampi-Christian Muslim Democrat (CMD) Gilbert Teodoro, who as Defense Secretary and National Disaster Coordinating Council chairman has been at the forefront of relief operations.

“I admire the man, Gilbert is never going to take (advantage) of the political opportunity in the midst of calamity. He is a very decent politician,” said Nograles in a separate text message, when asked if he believes that Teodoro was just doing his job and has shunted politicking in helping the Ondoy victims.

For my political opinion, Speaker Nograles is right about the politicians not taking advantage of the situation. But why did he spared the criticism to his fellow Mr. Gibo Teodoro?

I would like to apologize for being inactive in making the posts in my blog. I'm also saddened for the typhoon victims that I don't watch the television when the news is all about the typhoon and seeing many Pinoys suffer. My aunt is also a victim of Ondoy and it hurts when you can't do anything to help but pray. But I think that even in my smallest way in helping them, which is praying, I think that's the most I can do because I know that God is always there to help them.

The new insight in my life that I just learned is: Even if you have problems, it's alright when it makes you like a child, dependent to Him and it glorifies Him by seeking Him. Compared to being so happy and you're away with Him because you forget Him.

I think that's the challenge now, not just picking up oneself after the tragedy, but also to find God in everything.