Philippine president appoints rehabilitation czar

Philippine President Benigno Aquino III named a former senator to oversee the rehabilitation of areas devastated by typhoon Haiyan, locally named "Yolanda," a senior government official said Monday. Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said in a news briefing that Aquino will soon issue an order detailing the full scope and responsibilities of former Senator Panfilo Lacson as " rehabilitation czar." "Given the magnitude and the immense reconstruction efforts that will be required, the president felt that there should be a full-time individual who will handle the reconstruction efforts," Laciderda said. He said that the government wants to bring back the typhoon- affected areas on its feet as soon as possible. The Philippine government is seeking to raise 40.9 billion pesos (934.7 million U.S. dollars).