Malabon mayor addresses viral 'photo op' during typhoon Carina, monsoon response: 'Trabaho lang'
Malabon City Mayor Jeannie Sandoval has addressed her viral picture during her team’s response to super typhoon Carina and the southwest monsoon which some social media users have described as a "photo op" moment and called "insensitive."
In her interview with ABS-CBN News, Sandoval explained that they were about to respond to pregnant women who needed to rush to the hospital.
“Ang nangyari po kasi non, meron kaming naabutan na buntis [na] manganganak, dalawa sila, e medyo malalim na talaga 'yung dadaanan papunta doon sa ospital ng Malabon so sinakay na lang namin sila sa bangka para makarating na," she explained.
“Mahirap namang manganak sila sa kalsada kaya talagang ginawan namin ng paraan para makarating sila sa ospital,” she continued.
In the now-unavailable photo, the mayor was seen riding a small boat alongside other rescuers, with someone holding an umbrella for her during the heavy rain.
When asked about her reactions to the comments, she said, “Trabaho lang naman po sa amin.”
"Basta makakatulong lang naman kami sa mga tao," she said.
She added, "Kung maayos naman 'yung comment e 'di okay lang. Pagka hindi naman maayos, hindi ko na lang po pinapansin."
Super Typhoon Carina (international name Gaemi) and the southwest monsoon or habagat brought heavy rains over different parts of the country, causing impassable roads, severe floods, and destroyed homes.
Thousands of residents have been temporarily sheltered in evacuation centers, mall parking lots, and even private universities.
Classes at all levels and work in the government were suspended, while several institutions, including banks, also paused their operations due to the inclement weather.
Metro Manila was put in a state of calamity, which allowed the release of funds for relief operations, froze price increases of goods, suspended interests in loans, and permitted importations and donations.