Opinion 12/15/15 (Philippines, climate change, elections, lumad, typhoon)

Inquirer on climate change accord

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon described the global consensus [climate change accord in Paris] as a “defining moment on a long journey,” a historic passage from contentious debate to communal action meant to save this planet we all call home. [...] While the accord may be imperfect, it provides a helpful precedent for future efforts, US President Barack Obama said, adding that “The Paris agreement establishes the enduring framework the world needs to solve the climate crisis.” [full text]

Sun.Star Cebu on Duterte and controversy

DAVAO City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, who is running for president in 2016, continues to be a magnet for controversies in this electoral joust. The latest one is when he responded to Liberal Party (LP) standard bearer Mar Roxas, who refuted his claim that Davao is the safest city in the country. [...] This is not the first time that Duterte responded wildly to a criticism. After he narrated in a speech how he cursed Pope Francis for causing a traffic gridlock during his visit to the Philippines in January, he naturally got a mouthful from Archbishop Socrates Villegas, head of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines. His response? He threatened to expose the supposed abuse he suffered from a priest when he was still a student. And when sought for details, he clammed up. [full text]

Manila Bulletin about Lumad in Mindanao

To this day, according to records of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Mindanao, some 2,700 people [lumads] are still living at the evacuation centers in Tandag City and nearby areas, relying on assistance from the DSWD, the local government, and non-government organizations. [...] We can all sympathize with their longing to be home for Christmas, but the lumad problem – like that of refugees all over the world – is not so easily solved. Very likely, the lumads will have to remain where they are for sometime longer. [full text]

Philippine Star on typhoon preparedness

Typhoon Nona made landfall yesterday, hitting Bicol, the Samar provinces and Masbate as it barreled westward. Thousands were evacuated and classes were suspended as the weather bureau warned that heavy rains brought by Nona could trigger deadly landslides and torrential flooding. [...] You can’t stop a typhoon or storm surge, but it’s possible to save communities from the brunt of nature’s fury. Some local governments such as the one in Albay are showing what disaster resilience means. Lives, property and livelihoods can be saved with efficient preparedness. [full text]