Host and businessman Anthony Pangilinan reacted to the seeming inadequate warnings about Typhoon Ulysses.
In a tweet, Pangilinan said he got a feeling that the government lacked adequate information dissemination with regards to the severity of the typhoon which caught many people, especially in the Metro off guard.
“Why do I have this feeling our people were not adequately warned and assisted by capable leadership to prepare for this storm? Nakakalungkot at nakakagalit. #UlyssesPH”
Why do I have this feeling our people were not adequately warned and assisted by capable leadership to prepare for this storm? Nakakalungkot at nakakagalit. #UlyssesPH
— Anthony Pangilinan (@apangilinan) November 11, 2020
Ulysses was already expected to land on Thursday morning as advised by PAGASA.
But still many people didn’t expect that it will bring that much damage since it was not categorized as strong as the super Typhoon Rolly.
Pangilinan’s observation was concurred by news anchor Jules Guiang who said in a tweet that Ulysses surprised everyone.
Guiang added that while PAGASA did its job to communicate the track and strength of the typhoon there is still a communication gap in terms of amplifying PAGASA’s warnings.
“True sir, nagkagulatan tayo sa bagyong ito. PAGASA did its job pero nagkulang sa pag-amplify.”
True sir, nagkagulatan tayo sa bagyong ito. PAGASA did its job pero nagkulang sa pag-amplify.
— Jules Guiang (@julesguiang) November 11, 2020
Several netizens also observed the vacuum that ABS-CBN left on free TV.
While ABS-CBN continued with their marathon coverage of the typhoon over their digital platform and cable channels, people can’t help but compare how GMA News TV and GMA network delivered knowing they are the ones with the franchise and airing on free TV which has the wider reach.
“Look: How ABS-CBN Network doing live special coverage for the Typhoon #Ulysses unlike the GMA News TV that already been signed off. Kuddos to @ABSCBNNews !” @jincasambre8
https://twitter.com/jincasambre8/status/1326576174688989184
“Wui but so true… I was in hurry to turn the tv on only to find out that theyre still airing that kdrama. Like bitch? I checked the news on internet again & it was indicated that it was the STRONGEST typhoon of 2020 yet- GMA news meh? No live coverage. ABS-CBN is still 100,“ @empresslao101
https://twitter.com/empresslao101/status/1326839863044317189
“ABS-CBN News is not the beacon of journalism and unbiased newscast but when it comes to comprehensive coverage of disasters and calamities, they’re really the best. The government may deny all they want, pero napilay talaga info dissemination lalo sa mga probinsya.” @maroontito
ABSCBN News is not the beacon of journalism and unbiased newscast but when it comes to comprehensive coverage of disasters and calamities, they’re really the best.
The government may deny all they want, pero napilay talaga info dissemination lalo sa mga probinsya.
— Ralph | #ThesisEra (@maroontito) November 11, 2020
“Still no advisory from Malacañang, PAGASA, Civil Defense, and no less than the President himself. And can we all agree, info dissemination is just different w/o ABS-CBN”
https://twitter.com/eatscentric/status/1326685109852860416
“GMA7 had the opportunity to step up in the absence of ABS CBN, but instead chose to go the other way. People now realize just how bad GMA7 is and the network has no one to blame but itself.” @genenisperos
GMA7 had the opportunity to step up in the absence of ABS CBN, but instead chose to go the other way.
People now realize just how bad GMA7 is and the network has no one to blame but itself. https://t.co/05oyY0Zmay
— doc gene (@genenisperos) November 12, 2020
Many parts of Metro Manila especially Marikina, Pasig, and several cities and municipalities of Rizal have been submerged to waters on Thursday as Ulysses caused deep floods which many people compared to their Ondoy experience.
In an interview with Teleradyo, Marikina City Mayor Marcy Teodoro said Ulysses is the worst typhoon that caused large flooding in Metro Manila since 2009. He added that at least 40 thousand houses have been fully and partially submerged to waters in his city.
Meanwhile, as of the latest count, Ulysses has left 39 people dead from Metro Manila, Calabarzon, Bicol Region, Central Luzon, and some parts of Northern Luzon.
