Evacuation ordinance not meant to control donors – Zamora

MANILA, Philippines — An ordinance approved by the city council of San Juan regulating the operation of evacuation centers is not meant to prevent or limit donors from helping victims of calamities, Mayor Francis Zamora said yesterday.

He made the statement after Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada questioned Ordinance No. 26, which was passed by the city council to ensure the safety of the victims of fires, floods, typhoons and other calamities taking shelter at evacuation sites.

“It is the mandate of the local government to ensure the safety of the people,” Zamora said.

“This ordinance was unanimously approved by the city council to ensure order at evacuation centers,” he added.

Under the ordinance, persons or organizations planning to distribute assistance to the evacuees should coordinate first with the city government.

Violators will be fined P5,000.