By Wilnard Bacelonia | Philippine News Agency
Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada and his brother, Senator Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito, have expressed opposition to City Ordinance 26, series of 2024 issued in San Juan City, calling it “vindictive and political.”
According to the new policy of the San Juan City government, all donations for disaster victims must be made through the Office of the Mayor to ensure proper recording and reporting, and that beneficiaries receive them fairly. Violating the city ordinance will result in a P5,000 fine.
In a statement on Tuesday, Ejercito said distributing aid should always be open and not be manipulated.
“Hindi katanggap-tanggap na haluan ng pulitika at pagka-benggador ang pagbibigay ng ayuda para sa mga taga-San Juan. San Juaneños deserve better,” Ejercito said.
He added that imposing fines on those who want to help is “unjust and a clear abuse of power,” discouraging compassionate individuals from distributing aid in the city.
Meanwhile, Estrada said during disasters, all kinds of help are important, especially to those in need.
He said he would not be deterred by the new policy, no matter how many times he would be fined.
“Bilang isang mambabatas, alam ko na walang umiiral na batas na nagbabawal tumulong sa mga nangangailangan lalo na in times of emergency,” added said.
Both Ejercito and Estrada served as mayors of San Juan before becoming senators.
The new city ordinance also stated that only the General Services Department, City Engineering Office, SJ Gym caretakers, and school principals are responsible for repairing damaged facilities in evacuation centers.
Meanwhile, volunteers can report to the City Social Welfare and Development Center for orientation and assignment, where they can help with tasks, such as creating a master list of victims, cooking, and distributing aid.
‘Proper coordination’
San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora, however, maintained that proper coordination is needed to ensure order in evacuation centers and the safety of the evacuees.
“Kung hindi po tayo gagawa ng ganitong patakaran, na kung anumang oras ng mga gustong tumulong, gustong pumunta dun, eh paano naman po ’yong mga tao? Paano namin malalaman na ’yong gusto nilang ipamahagi ay ligtas para sa ating mamamayan?” Zamora said in a radio interview.
He also clarified that the city ordinance is not politically motivated and should be respected.
“Meron po tayong mga lokal na batas na umiiral. Kaunting respeto lang po. Hindi naman po ito politika. Kaunting bawas lang po ng pride. Hindi naman po mahirap makipag-ugnayan sa lokal na pamahalaan. Ang gusto lang naman namin, kung gusto nilang tumulong, eh makipag-ugnayan lang nang mabuti,” Zamora added.
Other organizations have been coordinating with his office before distributing aid to his constituents, he said, citing House of Representatives Speaker Martin Romualdez who recently gave away food packs and would also be adding cash assistance to the evacuees.