President Rodrigo Duterte urged the Filipinos who wanted to help the victims of Typhoon Ompong to avoid donating relief goods to private television networks. Instead, they should send it to Red Cross, to the government or other humanitarian organizations.
“I will not mention it but yung mga prominent TV network, I’m giving you a testimony, personal. Ang sabi, mag-donate kayo, used clothes ganun, sa kanila then they’ll give you a bank account number where you can deposit your donation. You’re better off giving it to government or to the military and let them distribute it direct,” Duterte said in a situation briefing at the Provincial Capitol Guest House in Isabela.
Photo: Philippine Red Cross
According to Duterte, he witnessed how employees of a local television network in Davao City is stealing the relief goods entrusted to them by the good samaritans.
During his term as Davao City Mayor, Duterte has a weekly talk show titled “Gikan sa Masa, Para sa Masa” handled by ABS-CBN network.
“Because I have a TV program, nakikita ko yung matatanda diyan sa opisina they were sorting out the things that were usable or are usable for them,” Duterte said.
“Maniwala kayo sa akin as your president, I’m giving you what I saw and what I have learned so ‘yan lang muna,” he added.
Duterte clarified that he’s not forcing the people to trust the government when it comes in distributing relief goods, but according to him, he saw the public officials doing their job during the times of calamity.
“Hindi naman mapilit ang perception ng tao sa amin,” Duterte said.
“But most of the officials who have sworn their duty to the people, nandiyan ‘yan nagta-trabaho,” he added.
He also praised the local officials of Isabela province for their quick disaster response on the victims of Typhoon.
“Ang pumunta ako dito is to congratulate the officials, the governor, vice governor and everybody of you who were ready at the forefront really to face the onslaught and I admire the preparation…” Duterte said.
The two television network giants, ABS-CBN and GMA have their own foundation to help people during disasters.
Duterte’s anger against mainstream media started when he accused television networks of writing malicious and misleading news against him.