Aquino Asks Quake Aid Funds; Not Enough, Her Critics Say

Philippine President Corazon Aquino asked lawmakers Monday for half a billion dollars to pay for earthquake recovery, but many accused her of not doing enough to help their country rebuild emotionally and physically.

In a speech marking the end of Congress’ summer recess, Aquino rejected proposals to divert foreign debt payments to finance recovery. She also did not pay tribute to the more than 1,600 people killed in the July 16 quake.

Strong aftershocks jolted areas of Luzon island. One aftershock had a magnitude of 4. Another sent hundreds of people rushing into the streets of Baguio, a hard-hit city 130 miles north of Manila.

Official figures put the death toll at 1,621, but it is expected to rise.

Defense Secretary Fidel V. Ramos, chairman of the National Disaster Coordinating Council, said more than 3,000 people were severely injured and nearly 90,000 were homeless.

Aquino asked for 10 billion pesos--about $500 million--”for the repair and reconstruction of permanent structures affected by the recent earthquake.” The House of Representatives unanimously approved the request and referred it to the Senate.

Pro-government commentators and lawmakers said they were surprised at the tone of the speech. Some considered it lackluster. Several said they had expected a rousing “call to arms” in the wake of a major natural disaster.