Emmylou Mendoza denied blocking of rice donations and thanks Filipinos for helping.
The controversial North Cotabato Governor Emmylou “Lala” Mendoza has denied the blocking of rice donations that were intended for the farmers of Kidapawan City who were hit by hunger, following the El Niño phenomenon that affected their lands and stopped the production of crops.
Gov. Mendoza appeared on a senate hearing regarding the alleged forced dispersal of farmers by the Philippine National Police (PNP). The farmers staged a protest last week to ask food assistance from the provincial government amid the ongoing drought.
See Also: Rodrigo Duterte Curses At North Cotabato Gov. Emmylou Mendoza
In a statement, Gov. Mendoza said that it is not true that they are blocking of donations. In fact, they even needed it. “Kailangan talaga namin ‘yong tulong, hindi totoong may blockade,” she said.
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She also said that it was just a wrong timing since the officials are still at the height of the incident.
Gov. Mendoza thanked also individuals who helped her constituents cope up with the phenomenon, adding that the rice donations would be a big help to the province, especially that El Niño has damaged more than 1 billion worth of their agricultural products.
Earlier this week, Gov. Mendoza received criticisms after she was caught on video saying that she will block any donation from individuals, especially from politicians. In the viral clip, she said that donating is an “insult” to her governance.
She also said that she knows the needs of her people and he doesn’t want politicians to use the incident to advance their political ambitions, especially that it is campaign period.
Meanwhile, presidential candidate Rodrigo “Rody” Duterte lambasted Gov. Mendoza for calling him “epal.” The Davao City Mayor is one of the politicians who promised to donate sacks of rice for the farmers.