Senate of the Philippines. Photo courtesy of PNA.
The Senate adopted a resolution on Wednesday urging the government to secure enough funds for relief and recovery efforts in Mindanao after the magnitude 7.8 earthquake.
Sen. Joel Villanueva filed the resolution to push the immediate release and mobilization of resources for communities hit by the June 8 quake.
Villanueva said government support must move quickly from emergency response to rehabilitation, reconstruction, and livelihood recovery.
The Office of Civil Defense reported at least 68 deaths from the earthquake, with more than 1,000 injured and 30 others still missing.
The resolution was co-sponsored by Senators Erwin Tulfo, Raffy Tulfo, JV Ejercito, and Francis Pangilinan.
Erwin Tulfo said the measure reaffirmed the Senate’s commitment to help restore essential services, provide emergency assistance, and support the long-term recovery of affected areas.
The Senate also adopted a separate resolution filed by Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian commending frontliners, rescue workers, health personnel, local governments, uniformed services, volunteers, and humanitarian responders who helped quake victims.
During the special session, senators also ratified the bicameral report amending the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, approved several agriculture and health-related bills on second reading, and passed on third reading the bill declaring waling-waling as the National Orchid of the Philippines.
