Yolanda rehab doable

by Hannah Torregoza December 3, 2013 (updated) Manila, Philippines Former Senator Panfilo M. Lacson said yesterday that rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts in areas devastated by super-typhoon Yolanda are difficult but doable.

Men sit atop a structure and watch the sunrise in an devastated area at Tacloban City November 25, 2013. Yolabda, the biggest storm ever to make landfall, struck the central Visayan islands on November 8, killing more than 5,200 people, displacing 4.4 million and destroying about 12 billion pesos in crops, property and infrastructure. The government believes rehabilitation of the typhoon ravaged areas will be duanting but doable. REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha The important word for me is doable. It is a huge challenge but when you see the destruction even on television, you will feel disheartened and a desire to help, said Lacson, who accepted his appointment last Sunday, a move welcomed by President Benigno S. Aquino III. He, however, stressed that he would rather have the private sector play a key role in the rebuilding efforts. If I have my way, Id rather have that the private sector take the initiative in funding, in implementing the (rehabilitation) projects, Lacson said in a press briefing, stressing that its much better to trust the private sector. Then my role, the governments role would be as enabler to monitor and oversee the projects that would be carried out by the private sector, he said. Does Ping Still Trust Govt? Asked if he has lost trust in the capability of government agencies to be transparent, the former lawmaker said he just wants to make sure he wont be stuck in the middle of his duty along the way. I dont want to be bogged down in the middle of this endeavor when implementing the projects because I have encountered a lot, and based on my experience Panfilo M. Lacson takes on a new role as czar of the rehablitation program in areas affeced by typhoon Yolanda.

I really believe its much better to trust the private sector, Lacson said. Having been in public service for more than 40 years, Lacson said he is aware of the bureaucratic red tape in government that would make rehabilitation and relief efforts in disaster-stricken areas slow-paced. Govt Red Tape The reason being is if I deal with the government, and only with the government, it would be difficult. There is an attending bureaucratic red tape so it might slow down (the implementation) a little bit, Lacson said. Lets face it. When it comes to rehabilitation, structural reconstruction, and repair, the private sector moves a bit faster and more efficiently because they are not bound by the government procurement act or Republic Act No. 9184. They can move much freely, Lacson said.

Purisima because of possible economic repercussions. If for example, we decide to give tax concessions to those in the private sector that would implement the projects, its natural for Kim Henares to oppose, its natural for Secretary Purisima to oppose to prevent the governments budget from being dislocated, Lacson said, But if you think of it, the loss of revenues may be compensated in terms of expenditure, he pointed out adding that as much as possible he would be aspiring for a zero waste of public funds in overseeing rehabilitation of typhoon damaged communities. Lacson also said he is also keen on monitoring the flow of foreign donations that come into the country as relief aid. Foreign Aids Repacked? Some foreign donations, I heard, are being repacked

He said the challenge for him would be how to put in place a mechanism that would encourage business firms and other companies to pitch in the rehabilitation programs that the government has lined up.

because its good. They change it with substandard goods. I dont know just how true or if these reports are validated, he said. But the information I received is that some of these

Because lets face it, (the question of most of those in the) private sector, (is) whats in it for me? What are the incentives, concessions that the government can provide to all stakeholders, and for the industry players who would want to invest in these places? Lacson pointed out. Concessions A Ticklish Issue But I know its going to be long discussion when you talk of concessions that you intend to give. Im thinking along this line. Theres about P40.9 billion (available funds) and it could be more than that, Lacson said.

foreign donations are being misused, I can only surmise that this is a transparency issue, he said. But as far as he is concerned, the destruction caused by Yolanda was a blessing in disguise because it brought to light the issue on the abuse and misuse of so-called pork barrel funds or the Priority Development Assistance Funds (PDAF). Lacson, known as one of the lawmakers who staunchly refused to use his PDAF, said it may also be the reason the President chose him to be incharge of the rehabilitation projects in the country. Presidential Communications Operations Office

Besides, he said, his proposal may not sit well with Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Commissioner Kim Jacinto Henares and Finance Secretary Cesar

(PCOO) Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said, President Aquino thanked former Senator Lacson for accepting his invitation for him to assume a lead role

in overseeing rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts in the aftermath of typhoon Yolanda.

Unassailable Integrity Rep. Teddy Brawner Baguilat Jr., chairman of the

The full scope of his duties and responsibilities will be embodied in an Executive Order (EO), he added. Appointment Supported Meanwhile, lawmakers welcome Lacsons appointment as rehabilitation czar. A very good choice. His record of honesty will certainly help erase doubts on his capability to ably handle the sensitivity of the position, Sen. Juan Edgardo Angara. Sen. Grace Poe believes Lacson is given an extremely important position of leadership requiring indomitable strength and ability to serve. Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV said the public can heave a sigh of relief knowing that government funds allocated for disaster rehabilitation as well as foreign donations are in good hands. Sen. Serge Osmena also agreed Lacson is an excellent choice for his experience as former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief affords him geopolitical familiarity with the peoples of the affected areas. Sen. Francis Escudero said Lacson still has a lot to contribute to the country in any given capacity. Senator Vicente Sotto III said he is glad to see Lacson back into government service and hopes he would also be appointed as anti-corruption czar. At the House of Representatives, Liberal Party (LP) congressmen said Lacson is a good fit for the task. Rep. Isidro Ungab of the 3rd District of Davao City described Lacson as qualified and capable for the position. Senator Ping is qualified, capable and has a very good track record in government service, the House Committee on Appropriations chairman, said.

House Committee on Agrarian Reform, said that Lacsons reputation as an action man with an abhorrence to the controversial PDAF will work to his favor as rehab czar. His reputation is hes an action man. Besides, hes close to the President, Baguilat said. Having close ties to Aquino means that the former senator would not have any problems with the rehab efforts insofar as mandate and resources are concerned. Metro Manila Development Committee Chairman Rep. Winston Castelo of Quezon Citys 2nd District further attested to Lacsons character, saying His integrity is unassailable. He personifies a nononsense approach in public governance. Cavite Rep. Elpidio Pidi Barzaga Jr. said Lacson is capable of protecting the billions worth of government funds and foreign donations that are being poured for the rehabilitation of the affected areas. Given (former) Sen. Pings integrity, professionalism and track record, I believe he will do a great job in his new post as rehabilitation czar. I believe he would be successful in his new job and as a fellow Caviteo I fully support him, Barzaga said. Eastern Samar Rep. Ben Evardone and AKO Bicol party-list Rep. Rodel Batocabe welcomed Lacsons appointment as the governments rehabilitation chief. He is very capable of handling the job. He has a track record of getting things done, he said. Batocabe said Lacson is an excellent choice for the job. Deputy Majority Leader and Citizens Battle against Corruption party-list Rep. Sherwin Tugna, said, I believe that Senator Lacson may not be the perfect man for the job, but his lifetime of leadership experience, coming from the military will make him a good commander of the rehabilitation efforts.

Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. said, Thats the President call. I will support his choice. 1-BAP party-list Rep. Silvestre Bello III, who served as secretary of the Department of Justice (DoJ), said, Lets give him the benefit of the doubt and hope he succeeds for the sake of the Yolanda victims.

ANG NARS party-list Rep. Leah Paquiz and AMIN party-list Rep. Sitti Djalia Hataman-Turabin also took note of Lacsons appointment. Okay sa akin if he can use his iron hand to fix everything for the people, Paquiz said. Former senator Ping Lacson is known for his

Minority Leader and San Juan Rep. Ronaldo Zamora agreed with his colleagues that Lacson is a good choice and he will bring the credibility (and of course the hard work needed) for a job like this. Antipolo Rep. Romeo Acop described his former boss as a man of credibility.

efficiency and political will. We should give him a chance to prove he is the right man for the job, Hataman said. (With reports from DPA, Ellson A. Quismorio, and Charissa M. Luci)