Malabon Congresswoman and Councilor Charged for Allegedly Repacking Relief Goods
RELIEF GOODS REPACKING – Malabon Congresswoman Jaye Lacson-Noel, her husband Florencio “Bem” Noel, and Councilor Romulo “Ibot” Cruz have been charged at the Office of the Ombudsman over the alleged repacking of relief goods for Typhoon Carina, sourced from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
The complaint, filed by Rogelio Gumba, claims that the congresswoman personally instructed him to gather family food packs for a repacking activity. He stated that most of the food packs were taken to the “white house,” Lacson-Noel’s headquarters in Tonsuyan, Malabon, while others were distributed to Barangays Longos, Hulung Duhat, and Tinajeros.
Gumba further alleged that the Noels repacked the items into plastic bags, but the separate canned goods were not distributed. He also mentioned that Councilor Ibot assisted with the repacking and even shared the activity on social media.
Gumba considers this a case of Qualified Theft and a violation of the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010 (Republic Act 10121), accusing the involved parties of misusing the relief goods intended for the affected communities.
Republic Act 10121, also known as the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010, is a law designed to improve the country’s ability to respond to natural disasters and other emergencies. The law established a comprehensive framework for disaster risk reduction, focusing on preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation efforts. It created the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) to oversee these activities and ensure that resources are efficiently used to protect the public during emergencies.
One of the key features of the law is its emphasis on community-based disaster risk management. It encourages local governments to take an active role in disaster planning and response, ensuring that communities are better equipped to handle crises. The law also stresses the importance of preventing and reducing the risks that lead to disasters, such as deforestation, improper urban planning, and climate change. By promoting a more organized and proactive approach to disaster management, RA 10121 aims to save lives, protect property, and help communities recover more quickly after calamities.
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