Palace respects Pineda's 'let us pray' remarks, but says gov't still there

Malacañang on Tuesday respected Pampanga Governor Lilia Pineda's remarks urging citizens to pray to God amid calamities, but stressed that the government remains present and has responsibilities to its people. Pineda had said that severe floods could not be stopped by anyone but God, adding that the government could not do it all. "We will respect Governor Pineda’s message because she is the one feeling it. There is nothing wrong if we pray together because, as we say, one of the reasons for these types of calamities is climate change—this is just one of many factors," said Presidential Communications Office Asec. Angelos Nicolas in a press conference. Malacañang said it would be difficult to dictate how officials relay their messages to their constituents, so it is up to the people how they receive these statements. Nicolas also agreed that it was difficult for the government to do it all alone, as it needed collaboration with citizens. For example, in areas prone to disaster, the public should follow the "no-build zone" rule, she said. It is up to the local government unit to implement these rules however, added Nicolas. The Palace official reassured the public that they will not be left behind by the government, but stressed that the government also needs the people’s collaboration and compliance to get through calamities. "The government is always there, the giving of aid is there. But the government also needs you to lighten the effects of these hazards, because you also have a responsibility to the government," Nicolas said. —RF, GMA News