Marquez to critics: Set aside politics

By BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

KALIBO, Aklan - Governor Carlito Marquez has appealed to his critics to set aside politics during crisis.

He also assured international and local support organizations that the donated relief goods are being distributed fairly to typhoon victims.

In an interview over DyRU Super Radyo Kalibo, the governor belied reports that the imported canned foods from the United States Navy were being switched with cheap local goods.

"There is no politics in the distribution of relief goods. The rehabilitation task force has the full support of government officials in Aklan," he said.

Mayor Raymar Rebaldo said the local government is transparent in the distribution of relief goods to the typhoon victims.

"Some donations are immediately and directly channeled to victims by private individuals and non-governmental organizations. All relief funds are accounted and distributed fairly by MSWD (Municipal Social Welfare and Development) to hundreds of Kalibonhons in typhoon-hit areas," he added.

Rebaldo said those critics should set aside politics and instead help in the relief and rehabilitation efforts of the local government and volunteer groups.

Typhoon “Frank” killed 53 people in the towns of Kalibo, Numancia, Libacao, Madalag and Ibajay. The damage in infrastructures, public utilities, roads and agriculture crops was estimated at P2.112 billion.

"We urge our people to display a sense of solidarity in the wake of destructive onslaught of mudflood to homeless families in our town of Kalibo. We don't embroil in politics in times of calamities," Rebaldo stressed./PN