Jinggoy slams Zamora over aid distribution

MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada yesterday slammed San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora’s directive to impose fines on people or groups distributing relief goods in the city without his clearance.

Estrada described Zamora’s order as “ridiculous, unreasonable, preposterous, whimsical and capricious.”

Estrada, a former mayor of San Juan, issued the statement after the city government approved Ordinance No. 26, directing persons or groups planning to distribute aid to report first to the local social welfare and development office.

The ordinance also imposes curfew at evacuation centers in the city from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Under the ordinance, visitors and donors must first secure a permit from Zamora’s office before entering evacuation sites.

Violators will be fined P5,000.

“People who want to give assistance to those in need would be fined if they would not coordinate with the mayor’s office?” Estrada said. “During calamities and emergencies, everyone’s help is important.”

“The people of San Juan are the losers here,” he added.