INTERIOR Secretary Eduardo Año was present and worked before, during, and after the onslaught of typhoon “Ulysses” (international name: Vamco), the department’s spokesman stressed on Thursday.
The statement was in response to lawyer Wilfredo Garrido’s criticisms about the Año’s presence during the calamity.
DILG spokesman and Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya said that Año’s massive courses of action during the typhoon “would not slip anyone with open eyes.”
“Secretary Año was definitely at the right places doing the right actions at the right time. Only a person whose eyes have been blinded by malice or political agenda cannot see,” Malaya said in a statement.
Año did not need to publicize his works during the calamity due to security reasons and “to prevent accusations of being ‘epal’ in this time of crisis,” Malaya said.
“We strongly condemn your malicious and baseless imputation,” he added.
Even when he got infected with the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), Año still worked and fulfilled his duty, Malaya said.
“I’d say you did not do your homework when you lapped up the lie that the Secretary was missing in action during this critical period,” he added.
According to Malaya, as early as November 9, Año issued advisories to all the local government units (LGUs), directing them to activate their Emergency Operations Centers and Disaster Monitoring Systems.
Moreover, Malaya said that Año spoke on national media outlets advising the public and LGU officials, particularly in the Bicol Region, to “immediately implement Operation Listo protocols, establish critical preparedness actions, among others.”