Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Politics in Disaster Management

Written by JP Carlos

It amazes me how some politicians can turn a disaster situation into campaigning media mileage.  I suppose every opportunity can be turned into a political tool.  Take the Yolanda Super Typhoon that hit the Philippines.  Right after the disaster, politicians jostled for position for some air time.  While victims of the calamity are suffering, they have the guts to turn the situation into campaign opportunities.  And to think campaign period is several years ahead.

                                                   
One high-ranking official of the government even had the audacity to pose in the relief operations of foreign countries.  It was a good step that the US relief operation did not allow the VP to even go near the relief items.  In several instances, politicians were pointing fingers at who to blame for the tremendous damage inflicted by the super typhoon Yolanda.  While they do their finger-pointing dance in the comfort of their offices, people the devastated areas were still waiting for their necessities.  And to date, rehabilitation of the areas has not made significant progress. 

Where have the donations from all over the world gone to?  In spite of the overwhelming support from the world, little has been given to the people who need them badly.  Politics, corruption and greed have always been a system in the Philippines.  When disaster strikes, you can bet, politicians will swarm to get something out of the tragedy. 


Of course I pray that this will change.  But this prayer is yet to be answered.

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