EDITORIAL - The politics of disasters

If there's one thing people notice about President Aquino when it comes to responding to disasters, it is that; one, he takes such a long time to respond, and two, he never brings actual relief but merely pays lip service in trying to assuage the plight of victims.

Forget the many previous occasions that prove this point and just take Cebu as an example since it is closest to home. The earthquake that shook Bohol and Cebu happened in the early morning of Tuesday, October 15. But it took Aquino until the day after to show up. And then he brought nothing.

The needs of the earthquake victims and earthquake affected areas are immediate. Unless he comes with relief that can be put to immediate and practical use, there is no crying desire on the part of the victims and affected areas to see Aquino and his pretty face in the flesh.

By comparison, the much reviled Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, when she was president, never hesitated to brave high wind and water to be with the victims and assess their plight. At least in this regard, she fully understood what leadership meant --to provide strength in times of anguish, and relief that was promptly felt.

Or, if your hatred of Arroyo persists, try recalling the spontaneous reaction of ordinary Cebuanos to the disastrous flood that struck Ormoc on November 5, 1991. Without need of any president, Cebuanos initiated, on the day itself, one of the greatest relief mobilizations ever seen --one that would put Aquino to shame.

But back to the quake and Aquino. So what did the president do in Cebu? He showed up at the damaged Basilica del Sto. Niño as if it needed anything remotely presidential. Clearly the visit was for the photo-op that cannot be denied, the basilica being the most iconic victim of the quake.

Aquino then proceeded to the rest of his brief itinerary, which consisted exclusively of places where his allies held sway --the Capitol and Mandaue City. He completely ignored City Hall and its oppositionist mayor, despite the fact that Cebu City had the most casualties and suffered the most damage.

And where was the relief? There was none. Aquino merely pledged aid without even bothering to state an amount. He also pledged quick rehabilitation but did not say where and when. Obviously, addressing the crisis was farthest from the president's mind. First thing he did after the visit? He flew to South Korea! So there!