Estrada slams San Juan rule on donations; Zamora says it will keep order

Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada on Tuesday slammed the new ordinance released by the San Juan City government requiring all donations from private and public individuals, governments, and non-governmental organizations to go through the Office of the Mayor and imposing a P5,000 fine for violators of the new guidelines.

In a privilege speech, Estrada claimed it is "clear" that the new ordinance is politically motivated, saying that it was approved after a video involving him went viral.

"Malinaw na may bahid ng pulitika ang ordinansang ito. At hindi maikakaila na inaprubahan ito matapos ang isang video na nag-viral na kinasangkutan ng inyong lingkod.  Sa insidenteng iyon, pinagkaitan ako ng pagkakataon na ipagbigay-alam sa mga biktima ng sunog na handa ako na magbigay ng tulong," Estrada said.

(It is clear that this ordinance is tainted with politics. And it cannot be denied that it was approved after a viral video surfaced which involved your servant. In that incident, I was deprived of the opportunity to express my willingness to help the victims of the fire.)

The video, which went viral last month, showed Estrada—a past mayor of the city—in a confrontation with a San Juan City Hall official in April.

Estrada likewise questioned the purpose of the ordinance, saying that "this kind of governance removes the right of the people to directly help their countrymen" and it is "anti-poor."

"Bakit kailangan pang dumaan sa isang mahaba at di makatwiran na proseso ang pagbibigay ng tulong? Hindi ba’t mas mainam at mabilis na paraan kung direktang makakarating ang tulong sa mga nangangailangan?" the senator said.

(Why do we need to go through a long and unreasonable process just to provide assistance? Isn't it better and faster to have a direct way of reaching those who need help?)

"Habang pinaghihirapan natin ang pagbalangkas ng mga batas para mabawasan ang burukrasya sa gobyerno, heto’t may isang lungsod na tila balakid sa mga mapagkawanggawa. Hindi ba kalabisan sa batas ang pagpapataw ng ganitong multa?" he went on.

(While we strive to craft laws to reduce bureaucracy in the government, here's a city that seems to be hindering those who want to help. Isn't imposing such a hefty fine excessive?)

Instead of imposing fines, Estrada said the regulations that should be imposed must focus on the efficient and quick delivery of aid from private individuals and sectors.

"Sa usaping ito, kalabisan na ang pinapairal na panuntunan ng San Juan City lalo na kung barangay level ang apektado ng mga sakuna. Masyado naman atang mapanikil o anti-poor ang sistemang ipinatutupad nila, dagdag pa ang pagpapataw ng multa," he said.

(On this aspect, the implemented policies of San Juan City are already excessive, especially if barangays are heavily affected by disasters. Their system appears to be anti-poor, and to make matters worse, they're also imposing fines.)

"Sa panahon ng sakuna, hindi dapat pamumulitika ang pairalin. May sinumpaang mandato tayong mga lingkod-bayan, ang unahin, hindi ang pansariling interes kundi ng nakakarami; ang pagsasakripisyo para sa kapakanan ng taumbayan," he added.

(During times of crisis, politicking should not be the priority. As public servants, we have sworn to uphold a mandate that puts the welfare of the majority above personal interests.)

He then called on the San Juan City government to reconsider the implementation of the new ordinance.

'Kaayusan at kaligtasan'

In a statement posted on his official Facebook page, San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora said the ordinance "was not passed to hinder or limit anyone who wants to help" his constituents in times of crisis.

"Ang nasabing ordinansang ito ay isang lokal na batas na ipinasa para siguraduhin ang kaayusan at kaligtasan ng ating mga mamamayan na nasa mga itinalagang Evacuation Centers natin sa panahon ng krisis o sakuna," Zamora said.

(This ordinance ensures the safety and order of our citizens who are in designated Evacuation Centers during times of crisis or disaster.)

With the recent COVID-19 pandemic, Zamora said, the local government has considered the possible diseases that can be easily transmitted.

Apart from this, Zamora noted the need to ensure proper inventory and screening of the donations so that all the food, medicines, and beverages that will be distributed are safe.

"Welcome na welcome po ang lahat ng nais tumulong sa San Juan. Ang Layunin ng ating Lokal na Pamahalaan ay siguraduhin na ang kaligtasan at kapakanan ng ating mga kababayan sa ating mga evacuation centers ay mapangalagaan at ating ating mapanatili ang kaayusan at katahimikan dito sa lahat ng oras at panahon," he said.

(Everyone who wants to help San Juan is welcome to do so. The goal of our Local Government is to ensure the safety and well-being of our citizens in our evacuation centers, and to maintain order and peace at all times.) — BM, GMA Integrated News