Marcos stresses typhoons ignore politics in storm-hit Bicol vlog

President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. emphasized that typhoons do not recognize political rivalry during a vlog on Friday, responding to criticism about his recent visit to storm-ravaged areas in Bicol, where former rival Leni Robredo is now running for Naga city mayor.

Marcos visited flood victims in evacuation centers in Camarines Sur and provided P80 million worth of financial aid to the local governments of Naga City and Albay on October 26 following the onslaught of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine.

He also vowed that the government would provide additional medical manpower in the Bicol Region and expressed interest in revisiting his father's Bicol River Basin Development Program (BRBDP) project from 1973, which was designed to address issues similar to those caused by recent storms.

In a PBBM vlog released on All Saints' Day, Marcos assured that the government will continue to work until victims recover and highlighted plans to improve disaster response, focusing on reducing casualties, decreasing affected families, and protecting small communities and livelihoods.

Kristine exited the Philippine area of responsibility last October 25 but left damage to infrastructure and agriculture, causing widespread flooding and loss of lives.

Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Leon left the PAR early Friday morning, November 1, no longer affecting any part of the country.