More than 100 members of the House of Representatives have joined a relief drive to assist families affected by the recent earthquake in Mindanao.
Several lawmakers have also pledged personal resources to support recovery efforts in quake-hit communities, particularly in areas that suffered damage to homes, roads, public facilities, and other critical infrastructure.
House prosecutor and Akbayan Party-list Rep. Jose Manuel “Chel” Diokno said the initiative began shortly after the powerful earthquake struck the region.
“Actually, nun pa lang nangyari ’yun, nagsama-sama na ’yung mga miyembro ng House. We have already begun donation and relief efforts,” Diokno said.
According to the party-list lawmaker, more than 100 House members have committed support to the relief operation, while others are extending separate assistance through their districts and local government partners.
A congressional delegation also visited General Santos City and Sarangani to inspect quake-hit areas, assess damage, and coordinate response efforts with local officials and regional government agencies.
The visit focused on identifying urgent needs, checking affected public facilities, and determining funding requirements for reconstruction and rehabilitation.
Diokno made the remarks in response to claims that preparations for the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte had overshadowed assistance for earthquake victims.
He said the House remains committed to both its constitutional duties and its humanitarian responsibilities.
“Ang impeachment ay isang tungkulin namin sa ilalim ng Konstitusyon, pero ’yung tulungan natin ang mga nasalanta nitong lindol ay isang humanitarian duty at duty din namin ito bilang mamamayang Pilipino,” Diokno said.
He added that lawmakers continue to provide support to affected communities even as preparations for the Senate impeachment trial continue.
“While we are in the middle of preparing for this constitutional trial, we are also not forgetting our duties to legislate and, of course, our duties to provide as much assistance and support as we can to those who were affected by the earthquake,” he said.
During the visit to General Santos, the House announced that it would shoulder the medical expenses of individuals injured in the earthquake, whether they are being treated in public or private hospitals.
Officials also inspected damaged infrastructure and public facilities to determine which rehabilitation needs may be included in the proposed 2027 national budget.
The House said coordination with local chief executives, regional agency heads, and lawmakers from affected areas would continue as recovery and reconstruction efforts move forward.