President Rodrigo Duterte has urged Filipinos hit by typhoon “Odette” to not spend the government-provided financial assistance for impractical purposes.
During his visit to Bais City, Negros Oriental, Duterte said family heads should make sure the P5,000 cash aid would be spent wisely.
“Now, let me ask you, have you received the P5,000 cash assistance? Not yet? Or have you spent it all? That’s what usually happens if the husband spends the P5,000 on alcoholic beverages. And the wives, if they have nothing to do, they are like ‘Marites’ and keep on gossiping and playing poker,” Duterte said.
“This money is intended for the family, especially the children. Don’t mess with me by using the money to purchase alcoholic drinks. If you do that, I’ll come back here for you and punch you,” he added.
Households affected by “Odette” received P5,000 cash assistance from the government. Families whose houses were destroyed by the typhoon also received another P5,000 as cash shelter assistance.
“If somebody reports to me that you spent your money on cockfighting, there will be no sacred cows. I will really come back for you,” Duterte said.
The government released P4.85 billion to provide financial assistance to “Odette” victims.
As of Dec. 29, 334 areas in the Visayas and Mindanao have been placed under state of calamity. John Ezekiel J. Hirro