Typhoon Ella

After the devastation caused by bagyo Ondoy and Pepeng (typhoons Ketsana and Parma), the DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development) had suffered another storm-- typhoon Ella. This typhoon formed when Ella Rose delos Santos in her blog entitled "Aanhin pa ang damo kung patay na ang kabayo (A special report from a volunteer)" accused DSWD of hoarding donations especially the imported goods such as imported canned goods and Coleman camp pads. This of course sparked fury especially from Filipinos who were affected by the typhoons and those who volunteered and had actually witnessed how the people suffered. This anger was even fueled with the pictures she posted on her blog. They showed that there were 4 warehouses full of donations with no one (other than the group of Ella who volunteered) packing/repacking the goods to be given out to victims.

I agree that our government is slow to react especially during the Ondoy onslaught and DSWD is perceived to be one of the most corrupt agencies in the country. However I believe this particular statement of Ella is uncalled for...

"In my opinion, these deaths could have been prevented if Secretary Cabral had tried a little harder to do her job".

By saying this, she is stirring up something that has the grave potential to be blown out of proportion. She is suggesting to put the blame of some deaths to Secretary Cabral. Right now after suffering 2 consecutive devastating typhoons and a threat of a possible volcanic eruption, the Filipino people are at the height of their emotions. And that statement calls for a 'sober mind' to be understood correctly.

In Ella's October 24th blog post she is consoling a man who was a typhoon victim and who I think even lost a family member. At the same time she is trying to tell the man "not to blame and hate Secretary Cabral" for what happened. But she was actually the one who encouraged such emotions when she said "In my opinion, these deaths could have been prevented if Secretary Cabral had tried a little harder to do her job". Statements like this calls for people to react irrationally (although that might not be her primary motive for her famous/infamous blog).

I believe there are many more who feel the same way. I hope Ella understands the power she has as a blogger with many readers/followers. Exposing the truth as what you've witnessed is commendable. But the consequences of your statements should also be in mind.