Expensive jet while earthquake victims suffer

Due for delivery next year is a US-built jet, which cost taxpayers P2 billion, that Malacañang has justified as necessary “in case of crisis situation.”

Its tongue-in-cheek mouthpiece, Salvador Panelo, said it would serve as an “airborne command post” for President Duterte and his posse of hangers-on to address any crisis more expeditiously. What a crock of BS!

More urgent than speed in the delivery of services is the availability of public funds to help those in need. The ongoing crisis in earthquake-stricken parts of Mindanao saw people out on the streets begging for food, water, clothing and shelter from passersby as government resources have run dry.

In times like this, of what use will such a very expensive jet have if all the money the victims of calamity need has gone to its mindless purchase?

CARMELA N. NOBLEJAS,
[email protected]