TACLOBAN CITY- A group composed of Yolanda victims have asked President Aquino to sack Social Welfare Secretary Corazon “Dinky” Soliman over the alleged P580 million rotting rice fiasco.
Firing Soliman from her post is justifiable considering that the sacks of rice found at the Subic Freeport that was supposed to be distributed to Yolanda victims were already declared as unfit for human consumption, said Efleda Bautista, vice president of the People Surge.
According to Bautista, the sacks of rice valued at P580 million was supposed to be distributed to the victims of typhoon Pablo but for some reason did not reach to the victims.
“The fact that P580 million worth of rice meant for Typhoon Pablo victims in December 2012 rotted in the Subic Freeport cries out a case of criminal negligence,” Bautista, in a press statement, said.
According to Bautista, the sacks of rice were to be distributed for the victims of Yolanda but were declared as no longer fit for human consumption.
“Two groups of typhoon survivors were victimized over this wasted rice, donated by the customs bureau from confiscated illegal shipments in 2012 because of the irresponsibility of the DSWD to which it was entrusted,” she added.
Bautista questioned why the DSWD had not been thoroughly investigated, particularly Sec. Soliman.
“Sec. Dinky Soliman should resign or be removed from office after being shown to be unfit by this incident as well as the dismal performance of her department in general in the two major calamities of Pablo and Yolanda,” she said.
According to Bautista, firing Soliman “would be too easy for the Aquino government without addressing the lack of relief and rehabilitation efforts.”
Thousands of storm victims trooped to Malacanang last February to submit their petition for Aquino to speed up delivery of relief goods, rehabilitation and a demand for P40,000 financial assistance which the President ignored. (RONALD REYES)
