Palace, Romualdezes working together in Tacloban

MANILA - A Cabinet official on Wednesday denied that political affiliation is affecting the distribution of relief goods to typhoon victims in Tacloban City. Cabinet Secretary Rene Almendras said Malacañang is working with Leyte Congressman Martin Romualdez and Tacloban Mayor Alfred Romualdez to help victims of super typhoon "Yolanda." "This is a time na walang kulay. This is a time, irregardless of what your family name is, we are going to work together to make it happen," he said. He chided reporters for asking why he had put his arm around Mayor Romualdez after the latter was rescued after the onslaught of Yolanda. He said the Palace is not blaming the local government for the lack of order in Tacloban. He also denied that there are separate distribution centers set up by the DILG and the Romualdez clan in Tacloban. He said both distribution centers at the Tacloban airport and the city hall are being operated by the national government. The Romualdezes are known political enemies of the Aquino clan. Congressman Romualdez is the third son of former Leyte Governor Benjamin Romualdez, the brother of former First Lady Imelda Marcos. ANC, November 13, 2013