Naguits feel 'vindicated' from tail dike issue

SAN FERNANDO City – Volunteer flood czar Engineer Marni Castro on Monday branded the breaching of the tail dike and the subsequent flooding as “an act of nature” which is beyond man’s control.

“It is an act of nature. The tail dike, like a car, has depreciated so much after 16 years. The flooding was not man-made. Wala naman gustong bumaha. In any case, may kasalanan tayong laat sa nangyari,” Castro remarked while presenting viable options on rehabilitating the dike.

Mayor Joselito Naguit of Sto. Tomas and Mayor Arturo Naguit of Minalin said they have been “cleared” from accusations of the recent massive flooding in their respective towns.

Board Member Nestor Tolentino, chairman committee on environment and natural resource, lead the hearing on the tail dike breach.

Mayor Lito exclaimed: “In that case, I am clear of all the accusations from my detractors that I caused the flooding in Sto. Tomas as professed in the streamers they have installed in some barangays. We are exerting all efforts in rehabilitation and flood prevention. Again, I urge my opponents to stop politicking, instead unite in rebuilding Sto. Tomas. Ngayon tayo mas kailangan ng taong bayan.”

For his part, Mayor Katoy said his political rivals should also stop from “malicious” allegations that he allowed illegal quarrying in Minalin and destroyed water channels which flooded the town, the first after seven years. (Jovi T. De Leon)