The House of Representatives has earmarked P9.25 million in assistance for families and communities affected by the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Sarangani and nearby provinces this week.
The funds came from pledges made by 139 lawmakers, including members of the House prosecution panel involved in the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte.
Despite ongoing preparations for the impeachment trial, the House said relief efforts for Mindanao quake victims remain a priority.
“This only shows that hindi nakakaligtaan ng mga mambabatas ang kanilang tungkulin na tumulong sa biktima ng lindol sa Mindanao,” House Assistant Minority Leader and Akbayan Rep. Chel Diokno said.
He said the earthquake remains in the minds and conscience of lawmakers as they continue their legislative and constitutional duties.
“Even though we are in the middle of preparing for the impeachment trial, what happened and what is happening in Mindanao is not far from our minds and conscience,” he said.
According to the solon, members of the House quickly came together after the disaster to organize donation and relief efforts for affected residents.
He pointed out that more than 100 lawmakers have already pledged support, with some giving from their personal resources to help communities recover from the disaster.
The collective effort is separate from the individual assistance being extended by lawmakers through their districts, local government partners, and constituents.
He assured that the House is working to ensure that the aid reaches affected families and communities as soon as possible.
He stressed that while impeachment is part of the House’s constitutional mandate, helping disaster-hit communities is also a humanitarian duty.
“Impeachment is one of our duties under the Constitution, but helping the victims of this earthquake is a humanitarian duty,” Diokno said.
He added that the House will continue performing its legislative work while extending support to those affected by the powerful quake.
“Our service continues,” the lawmaker concluded.