NO POLITICAL AGENDA

MANGATAREM – Former Interior Sec. Mar Roxas II and Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo visited towns in Pangasinan worst hit by Typhoon Lando last October 21 and distributed relief goods to flood victims.

The two were in Infanta and Mangatarem in response to the request for assistance of local officials led by Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr. and Vice Gov. Jose Ferdinand Z. Calimlim, Jr.

The other Pangasinan leaders who joined Roxas and Robredo in the distribution of relief goods were 2nd Dist. Rep. Leopoldo Bataoil, Board Member Amado “Pogi” Espino, III, Mayor Teddy Cruz of Mangatarem, Infanta Mayor Percival Mallare and former Congresswoman Rachel Arenas.

In Mangatarem, Gov. Espino briefed Mr. Roxas on the extent of damages wrought by the typhoon through a flow chart that showed floodwaters from the mountains that submerged several farmlands and low-lying areas.

When asked by the media if the relief operation is part of the campaign, Roxas said: “You can attest that there were no speeches and we went directly to the distribution (of goods). There was no yellow (object), no campaigns, no votes, no media in tow.”

Roxas said he is not worried about what his rivals will say about the relief effort.

“The other side is always going to say whatever it is they are going to say, none of which will be complimentary. So why would I think about what they will say? It is clear to me that we are providing help,” Roxas, said.

Roxas also denied the allegation of his political rival Vice President Jejomar Binay that government funds are bankrolling his sorties in typhoon-hit areas.

“We did not use government vehicles when we went to Aurora (province). We delivered relief goods from private donors,” he added.

The administration coalition’s standard bearer also defended Social Welfare Secretary Corazon Soliman from accusations that she was campaigning for LP candidates.

 “Maybe we should just ignore such nonsense statements. It is clear that the whole government is doing everything to perform its duty. All departments are focused on providing care to the needy especially those affected by Lando,” Roxas said. (Leonardo Micua)

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