Senators Jinggoy Estrada and JV Ejercito vehemently opposed San Juan City’s Ordinance 26, series of 2024, arguing that it is vindictive and politically motivated.
During a privilege speech at the Senate's plenary session on Tuesday, Estrada questioned the new San Juan City Ordinance issued on Monday, asking why there is a need for a long and unreasonable process for providing assistance.
"Hindi ba’t mas mainam at mabilis na paraan kung direktang makakarating ang tulong sa mga nangangailangan?" he further questioned.
He stated that the newly passed ordinance clearly carries political motives and was allegedly based on a video that recently went viral, in which Estrada was reportedly prevented from informing fire victims in the city that he will be extending assistance.
Estrada noted that this was not an isolated incident, recalling that on February 17, the local government had also blocked him from using the Pinaglabanan Memorial Shrine to distribute groceries to 3,000 people.
Senate President Pro Tempore's brother, Sen. JV Ejercito, supported the opposition, noting that vindictiveness impairs the delivery of services.
"Tama po ang sinabi senador Jinggoy na tuwing may sakuna, tuwing may kalamidad dapat lahat ng nais tumulong dapat payagan," Ejercito said during a privilege speech.
"Kaya medyo nalungkot din po ako na nabasa ko itong ordinansa na ipinasa ng San Juan council," he added.
He mentioned that this may be an order from the city mayor to impose the necessary penalties and requires coordination. He added that he shares a similar experience with his brother.
On the other hand, San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora mentioned that helping in the city is not prohibited. Zamora emphasized that the purpose of the ordinance is to ensure order in the distribution of donations and the safety of the goods being distributed.
Additionally, the mayor also clarified that there is no restriction on providing assistance and urged that the LGU’s guidelines be respected, as the ordinance was passed through the appropriate channels and based on the consensus of the local authorities.
"We welcome all kinds of help from different people," Zamora said during an interview with media on Tuesday.
"Ang nakasaad lamang dito sa ating ordinansa ay makipag-ugnayan po kayo sa local na pamahalaan. Bakit? Sapagkat tungkulin po namin na siguraduhing ligtas ang bawat isa sa loob ng isang evacuation center," he added.
He explained that if donors wish to contribute items such as food, drinks, or medicine, it is crucial to have these donations properly reviewed.
Zamora pointed out that without proper evaluation, there is a risk of distributing expired or spoiled items, which could lead to health problems for those in evacuation centers.
He questioned who would be held responsible if such issues arise, highlighting the importance of ensuring that all donations are safe and suitable before distribution.
Under the ordinance, all donations from individuals, governments, or NGOs for disaster victims must be processed through the Office of the Mayor for accurate documentation and oversight.
Visitors and donors who wish to enter evacuation centers must also obtain an entry permit from the Office of the Mayor to maintain order and ensure evacuee safety. Violations of these provisions will incur fines of up to PHP 5,000.
Ejercito and Estrada both served as mayors of San Juan prior to their roles as senators.
