Many Filipinos have expressed concern that the Philippine government may misuse the vast amounts of international aid pouring into the country in the aftermath of the devastating typhoon Yolanda, which has hit the country recently.

These concerns come in the wake of the rampant corruption by the former Arroyo administration, which was revealed this year.

The scandal surrounding the Arroyo government involved people in high positions, including policy makers from the Senate and the House of Congress.

Filipinos are now anxious about how the present administration of President Benigno Aquino III will handle the huge amount of relief aid, both in cash and in kind being sent to the Philippines through government channels.

Social media sites are flooded with messages from overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) around the world including those from Saudi Arabia who are not only fretting about their families back home but are also concerned about the misuse of the donations.

“As this is a matter of money, I don’t trust any government official. I really hope this fund will find its way into the hands of the right people,” Abu Ibrahim said.

Katherine Whellams, another OFW, said in an open letter to President Benigno Aquino III, “As Filipinos living abroad, we are extremely grateful and overwhelmed with the good wishes, sympathy and aid we have been receiving for our fellow countrymen, from all over the globe.

“I am writing on behalf of the millions of OFWs from all over the world and would like to make this earnest appeal that all aid, whether in cash or in kind will go straight to the victims of the typhoons,” said Whellams.

She added, “This is the time when our fellow Filipinos, in Tacloban and other nearby provinces, would need the utmost help, whether locally or from overseas. It is therefore our moral obligation to ensure that every cent of these donations is accounted for.”

Whellams observed, “You have encouraged our foreign counterparts to help out at this difficult time, but as of the moment most are reluctant to extend a hand due to the bad reputation when it comes to ‘foreign aid’.


As a Filipino citizen working abroad, and contributing to the betterment of our country and its image, may I propose the following: To create a committee that will oversee how these donations are being spent; secondly, to choose people with integrity who have no ulterior motives of furthering their own interests over helping people; thirdly, to create a program alongside the monetary and material aid to the LGUs (Local Government Units) – holding every mayor, governor, congressman, barangay units accountable for every cent; and finally, to create a website where people can see updates on the progress being made, help given, and communities being rebuilt.”

“Let us use this unfortunate tragedy to rise above politics and initiate a change toward a more honest and more successful country. We all deserve it,” she concludes.