Too Much Red Tape?

Am I correct in assuming that the local government is expecting the NDCC to clean up the mess left by Ondoy? If it’s the NDCC, I’m sure they’re already up to their ears in finding ways to get to everyone. Could that be the reason why victims from Taytay floodway, Payatas, Cainta, Karangalan Village, Suburban Village, have not really been getting the help they’ve been requesting? (Photo credit: Inquirer.net)

I was also told by one of our employees that her home in Taytay Floodway has rising floodwaters again– this afternoon! Could this be caused by waters released from the dam? Worse, one of our employees’ sisters apparently saw people being swallowed up by open manholes in the flood- stricken areas! 😦 *Open manholes?? Where did the covers go?*

Can someone please explain to me who is supposed to be responsible in ensuring that help goes out to these folks? Our friends have already been able to reach some of the areas and were able to distribute relief goods, but apparently (I was told), no representative from the local government has showed up yet (as of early this afternoon). Is this the job of the NDCC or the officials behind the city (or municipality) of Rizal, Marikina, and other flood- striken cities?

In any case, here’s something to look forward to– according to Inquirer, “At the House of Representatives, Cavite Rep. Elpidio Barzaga filed Resolution No. 1433 urging his 268 peers to shell out at least P1 million each from their pork barrel as their contribution to relief and rehabilitation efforts for the victims of Ondoy. Each lawmaker gets P70 million as priority development assistance fund (PDAF) every year.”

But then you have this: “… Speaker Prospero Nograles proposed that the representatives fork out only P20,000 each as their contribution to the relief efforts.” (from Inquirer)

Sorry, I could no longer contain my political frustration. This is really such a mess… I love my country, but hate that there is so much bureaucratic rigmarole 😦

P.S. On a happier note, I wish to thank our friend LPT from Texas, who has sent in a $100 donation for Ondoy victims @ Alay ng Puso! Which brings our Fabella Fund back up to Php 543,250. THANK YOU!!