Tag: typhoon

Yolanda death toll estimate hits 5,200+ breaking previous record set by Uring in 1991

November 23, 2013October 30, 2022 benign0 19 Comments

The death toll following the disaster wrought by Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) has according to a Wall Street Journal report gone up to more than 5,200 breaking the record set by Typhoon Uring (international code name Thelma) in 1991 which killed about 5,100 people a large proportion of which was in Ormoc which suffered flash floods…

Civics, Environment, Government

Filipinos who say ‘stop criticizing the government’ are not helping the country progress

November 23, 2013November 23, 2013 Ilda 115 Comments

One of the stupidest things some Filipinos kept suggesting during the height of the disaster in Central Philippines brought about by super typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) is for people to stop criticizing the Philippine government. For some bizarre reason, some equate the criticism coming from those who were concerned for the welfare of the victims as…

Civics, Government, Media, Society

McHeroes: Filipinos need to cure their addiction to disaster heroism

November 22, 2013 benign0 24 Comments

As what usually happens following another disaster, another tragedy, another “accident”, or another crisis, “heroism” is, yet again, the word of the month. Heroes are currently at work delivering relief, comforting the victims, counseling the hapless, and inspiring the desperate. We are told these “heroes” are also facing the “great battles ahead”. Presumably those “battles”…

Civics, Culture, Government, Religion, Society

Clichéd Critics’ Critics’ Criticisms and Other Yolanda Do’s and Don’ts

November 21, 2013November 21, 2013 John Bay 8 Comments

Sunday November 10, 2013 was Day 1 after Yolanda (International Name Haiyan) hit the Philippines with a cataclysmic super typhoon that decimated central Philippines especially Tacloban. The following day had already prompted my local church with a special offering for the victims. Most attendees including myself gladly obliged without much hesitation in opening their checkbooks…

Government, Media, Politics

Why there is no need to feel sorry for Korina Sanchez

November 20, 2013 benign0 31 Comments

Normally giving stuff to poor people and taking the opportunity to adorn these “gifts” with logos or representations of your organisation is not necessarily bad. So, on one hand, I do agree with communications expert JP Fenix “tak[ing] exception to the negative comments on [ABS-CBN broadcast journalist Korina Sanchez’s] advocacy of giving away new rubber…

Glitz and Glamour, Government, Media, Politics

Per R.A. 10121: PNoy may be criminally liable for veto of disaster preparedness budget in 2011

November 20, 2013 benign0 70 Comments

Noted constitutionalist and former president of the Ateneo de Manila University Fr Joaquin Bernas lauded the Supreme Court decision to ban pork which, he wrote, “restores the normal constitutional order of handling public money”. He cited the specific clause in the Constitution that clearly defines the limits of the power of any one government official…

Civics, Crime, Environment, Government

The Man I Hope To Finally See and Respect

November 19, 2013October 23, 2018 Aunt Mary 76 Comments

The first 72 hours in every disaster relief and rescue operation is the most crucial. It’s when a responsible and speedy reaction is much needed. It was during this most crucial time, the 1st 72 hours, that I was hoping our government leaders have acted more swiftly and responded more responsibly as well. No, I…

Civics, Culture, Government, Media, Politics

The Philippines’ long road to recovery after Yolanda: Are Filipinos up to the task?

November 19, 2013November 19, 2013 benign0 37 Comments

In the aftermath of the devastation wrought by Typhoon Yolanda (a.k.a. Haiyan) the hard question stares us squarely in the face: What’s next for a nation that, even in normal times, struggles to deliver the most basic services to the majority of its people?. According to recent reports, up to four million Filipinos are left…

Civics, Crime, Development, Economy, Environment, Government, Politics