Aquino declares the Philippines under state of national calamity

President Benigno Aquino III on Saturday declared a state of national calamity due to the damage brought about by Typhoon BOPHA/Pablo.
 
In Proclamation 522, Aquino cited the devastating rain, floods and flash floods in parts of Southern Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. He noted the severe gravity of the damage in:

• Compostela Valley, Davao Oriental and Davao del Norte in Region XI;
• Surigao del Sur in CARAGA Region;
• Lanao del Norte, Misamis Oriental and Cagayan de Oro City in Region X;
• Siquijor in Region VII, and
• Palawan in Region IV-B.

On government radio on Saturday, Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the proclamation, signed by Aquino on Friday night, allows controls over the prices of basic goods in affected areas.

Republic Act 7581 says, basic necessities include rice; corn; bread; fresh, dried and canned fish and other marine products, fresh pork, beef and poultry meal; fresh eggs; fresh and processed milk; fresh vegetables; root crops; coffee; sugar; cooking oil; salt; laundry soap; detergents; firewood; charcoal; candles; and drugs classified as essential by the Department of Health.