Lacson: PHL needs 'bible' on post-disaster recovery

TAGBILIRAN City, Bohol —Presidential candidate and Senator Panfilo Lacson on Tuesday highlighted the need for a “bible” to speed up the government’s post-disaster response.

The lawmaker made the remark when asked about the needed reforms to ensure quick recovery of localities affected by natural calamities like Bohol, which was recently hit by Typhoon Odette.

“First, kailangan mag-craft talaga ng comprehensive rehabilitation and recover plan from the government. That is very important kasi ‘yun ang bible e. Without a rehabilitation and recovery plan, manghuhula tayo,” Lacson said at a press conference.

The lawmaker added the need for a post-disaster needs assessment [PDNA].

“I wonder if ‘yung [Office of Civil Defense] has already submitted the Post-Disaster Needs Assessment. It is a must whenever a disaster strikes. Kailangan talaga within 90 days, makapag-submit ng PDNA,” he said.

“In the case of Bohol, sabi nga ni vice governor, 380,000 houses either totally destroyed or partially-destroyed. That’s huge. That’s massive and that would  entail P24 billion pesos in funding,” he added.

He then recalled his stint as the rehabilitation czar after the Supertyphoon Yolanda in 2013, where he submitted a CRRP within six months.

This, he said, was submitted on record time.

After the submission of a PDNA, Lacson said  the funding should be accurate and it should be coordinated.

“Just like what we did in the case of Yolanda. I would call regular meetings with Cabinet officials and local mayors and governors of [localities] along the Yolanda corridor, ‘yung 71 cities and municipalities hit by Yolanda. Ang Isa pang napakaimportante we can solicit support from the  international community,” he said, noting the aid from the Japan International Cooperation Agency and USAID.

Lacson and his running mate, Senate President Vicente Sotto III visited Bohol today for their 2022 campaign.

They started their activities with a courtesy call to Bohol Vice Governor Rene Relampagos and other provincial officials.

The tandem then held a town hall meeting with fisherfolks and other sectors.

The presidential bet and vice presidential candidate also visited Bishop Albert Sy Uy in his residence in Bohol.

They will end their activity today with a campaign rally at Jagna Baywalk.

For the 2022 elections, the province of Bohol has 944,042 registered voters.—LDF, GMA News