After the exit of Typhoon Kristine (international name Trami), which caused widespread damages and lost of lives across the Philippines, a viral photo of Camarines Sur Governor Luigi Villafuerte has drawn mixed reactions online.
The image shows Villafuerte standing on a small boat, handing what appears to be cash to residents affected by the storm, many of whom were seen reaching out to receive the money.
It may be regarded as a gesture of goodwill and immediate relief, but for many online watchers, it is a hot topic of debate.
Some netizens voiced their frustrations, accusing the politician of using the situation to gain political favor. One commenter remarked, "This is how masang Pilipino love their politicians treat them…. That’s why every election they never learn. They still vote for the same politicians that provide 'band-aid solution.'"
Another pointed out the deeper implications, stating, "Hindi nakakaawa tignan yung pulitiko dahil ganto ang paraan niya mangampanya kundi yung mga taong nilulunok na lang yung pride at hindi na inaalala yung kahihiyan para lang makatanggap ng tulong na dapat gobyerno ang gumagawa."
The controversy intensified when Camarines Sur 5th District Representative Miguel Luis Villafuerte, the governor’s brother, also went viral for a similar act. He was photographed giving out PhP 500 bills to a resident while also navigating through the floodwaters on a boat.
His photo, shared on his official Facebook page, drew similar reactions, with one commenter sarcastically writing, "On the rescue mission na may dalang pera sa mga bahang lugar 😅 na ilang days ng stranded 🤦🏻… Looks like Boat Buying 😂🤣."
Critics of the Villafuerte family, who have long dominated politics in the region, argued that the cash handouts were a temporary solution that did little to address the broader infrastructure problems in the province. One post read, "This is all for a show, mga Bicolanos please don’t vote them in office anymore, they have been a political dynasty in Bicol and hanggang ngayon Bicol is behind sa infrastructures."
However, not all reactions were negative. Some people saw the cash as a practical means of providing immediate help to those who were stranded and unable to access basic necessities. It is a way of alleviating their hardship temporarily, while long-term remedy is being developed.
Camarines Sur 2nd District Representative Luis Raymund "LRay" Villafuerte, Jr., defended his son’s actions, stating, "Ako namimigay din ako PhP 500, PhP 1,000. Walang masama roon. Bakit? Kasi hindi naman po pwedeng bigyan 'yung flooded area ng relief, kasi hindi pwedeng mabigyan ng sasakyan. So bumibisita kami, and the best thing we can do is give them cash for now. There is nothing wrong with that."
It is understandable that the response to the storm continues to spark conversation about the nature of relief efforts and the long-term solutions needed to mitigate the impact of natural disasters in the Philippines. Now, we need to stop all the bickering and start implementing long-term and sustainable solutions free from graft and corruption.