CamSur Cong. LRay Villafuerte Distributes Cash to Flood Victims Instead of Relief Goods—Here's Why

CamSur Cong. LRay Villafuerte Speaks on Distributing Cash to Flood Victims Instead of Relief Goods

LRAY VILLAFUERTE – The Camarines Sur Representative addressed criticism regarding the distribution of cash instead of relief goods to his flood-affected constituents after Typhoon Kristine.

During an interview with DWPM, Villafuerte argued that cash was more practical, assuming that many residents lacked access to cooking facilities, such as gas stoves, to prepare relief items like rice. “Sabi raw bakit cash. Eh sige po baliktarin ko. Magbigay ka ng relief, bigas. Wala naman po silang panluto. Eh hehe. Ah ‘di ba po. Nasa gitna sila, walang gasul and all,” Villafuerte explained, emphasizing the logistical challenges he believed they faced.

However, the decision to distribute cash aid instead of relief supplies to flood-affected residents drew criticism from netizens, who questioned its practicality in an area with many closed businesses. They argued that cash would be useless if flood victims couldn’t access stores to purchase food or essentials.

A video featuring the controversial politician has gone viral, depicting him distributing cash to residents impacted by the severe flooding from Typhoon Kristine. Joining him in the rubber boat is his son, Luigi, who serves as the governor of CamSur.

This isn’t the first instance of a Villafuerte being seen giving out cash. Previously, a photo of Congressman Migz, LRay’s son, gained traction after he was captured providing 500 pesos in cash to an elderly woman. However, this act faced backlash from netizens, who argued that he should have offered food or essential items instead, as residents were unable to purchase anything from stores due to the floods.

In that post, Migz recounted rescuing 17 stranded CSPC boarders in Nabua with assistance from his personal security team and friends. He stated that they had been without food for three days. Migz also called for additional teams to help with the ongoing rescue operations.