DAET, Camarines Norte---With eight deaths due to rabies in Camarines Norte, the vice governor here has used the issue to lambast the governor here saying the latter’s inaction has been manifested in the absence of funds allotted for the anti-rabies vaccine.

        In a privilege speech during the regular session of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, Vice Gov. Roy Padilla Jr. criticized Gov. Jesus Typoco Jr. for “inutil (useless)” for not providing budget for the vaccines that patients could use while confined at the Camarines Norte Provincial Hospital.

        Padilla took a shot at Assistant Provincial Engineer and Acting Procurement Officer Noel Reyes whom he said acts as “runner” of the governor because he alleged that he controls the Bids and Awards Committee.

        “Mas inuuna pa ni Gobernador Typoco ang pondo sa imprastraktura dahilan sa malaki ang nakukuhang biyaya kaysa bakuna sa aso (Governor Typoco prioritizes funds for infrastructures because of big graces compared to vaccine for dogs),” the vice governor said.

        The Provincial Veterinarian Office here recorded three deaths from rabies in 2007 that’s why Padilla was alarmed that eight deaths have already been recorded at this point in time in 2008.

        In a related development, the Sangguniang Bayan of this town dismissed the suggestion that Daet town or the entire province be placed under the state of calamity because deaths from rabies.

        Councilor Nestor Dalida cautioned that the declaration of state of calamity because of rabies outbreaks and deaths may bring more negative results than help the province.

        “We should study the situation very well before declaring a state of calamity for that matter because Camarines Norte is now the second province with the highest number of tourist arrivals,” Dalida said.

        He said the local government of Daet town did not ignore the problem as they are now fixing the vehicle which will be used to round-up stray dogs that he said are increasing.

        Dalida said that he would leave it to the members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan if they decide to place in the state of calamity the whole province of Camarines Norte.

        “Mas makabubuti kung daanin na lamang sa paghuhuli ng mga asong gala at kung kailangan barilin ito dahilan sa katigasan ng mag may-ari ng aso (It’s better to just catch the stray dogs and shoot them when necessary, because of the hardheadedness of their owners), the councilor boldly declared.