#NasaanAngPangulo

President Bongbong Marcos Jr.’s competence and compassion will be put to test once again as he is nowhere to be found while severe tropical storm #PaengPH (international name: Nalgae) is barrelling the country and we are under a disaster red alert. “It is only right and just to look for Marcos Jr. As Chief Executive, he must be on top of all situations, especially during times of crisis and national emergencies,” according to KMP chairman emeritus.

Severe tropical storm #PaengPH has left a trail of destruction in Visayas and Mindanao islands, especially in BARMM, CARAGA, and the Panay region. Based on the latest reports, at least 72 people were killed in flash floods and landslides caused by torrential rains. Among the hardest hit is Maguindanao province with 67 people reported dead so far, 33 people injured, and 14 people missing. The provinces of Zamboanga, Sultan Kudarat, Cotabato, Negros Occidental, Aklan, and parts of Samar and Leyte are also affected. #PaengPH is forecasted to cut through and traverse Bicol, NCR, and the Central Luzon regions over the weekend.

“Buong Pilipinas halos apektado ng bagyong Paeng. Habang nakalubog sa baha at nagpapasaklolo ang marami nating kababayan, hindi na naman nagpaparamdaman ang Pangulong Marcos. Kaya marami ang nagtatanong at naghahanap — #NasaanAngPangulo,” Mariano said. At least 12,137 persons were displaced and 7,376 were preemptively evacuated across affected regions, according to the NDRMMC.

Mariano said during the onslaught of super typhoon Karding last month, Marcos Jr’s absence was also felt. “The President only did some aerial inspection but refused to land in any typhoon-affected area saying he will just go in the way of the LGU’s relief efforts or ‘makakaistorbo lang.’ Last week, a state of calamity was declared in the Marcoses’ home province Ilocos Norte due to typhoon Neneng but we heard no word from Malacanang or anyone from the Marcos family. Ganito sila ka-walang pakialam sa mga Pilipino,” the peasant leader further said.

KMP warns that this latest climate emergency will further damage local agriculture and crops already battered by previous typhoons. Prices of food, agri, and fishery produce are likely to increase further in the coming days and weeks.

Super typhoon Karding left almost Php3.4 billion in damage while successive typhoons Maymay and Neneng left almost Php600 million in damages to agriculture in northern Luzon provinces. In 2021, the total cost of damage due to natural extreme events and disasters that reached Php60.68 billion, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority. ###