Manila: Members of the Senate's new majority bloc have pledged to donate one month's salary to support relief and recovery efforts in communities devastated by the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck parts of Mindanao. In a joint statement, the group also called on their colleagues in the minority bloc to join the initiative, saying the disaster presents an opportunity for the Senate to show unity despite political differences.
According to Philippines News Agency, the senators stated, "As a personal contribution to the relief effort, members of the Senate New Majority are prepared to donate one month of our salary to help support affected communities." The bloc emphasized that the contribution is intended to assist families facing immediate challenges of rescue, relief, rebuilding, and recovery following the powerful quake. The Office of Civil Defense reported that the earthquake left at least 37 people dead, 456 injured, and four missing as of 6 a.m. Tuesday. The disaster affected 17,689 families or 77,186 individuals, with 5,343 families seeking shelter in evacuation centers.
The senators expressed hope that their colleagues in the minority would join the effort, stating, "While this is a small contribution, we hope our colleagues in the minority will join us in this effort. After all, we are senators of all Filipino people. This is a moment when the Senate, whatever its internal divisions, can still speak through one act of shared compassion."
Led by Senate President Pro Tempore Sherwin Gatchalian, the group stressed that the assistance should address urgent needs identified by local communities and responders. These needs include food, clean water, medicines, temporary shelter, and other essential support while damage assessments continue. They also aimed to reassure affected residents that they are not facing the crisis alone.
The group stated, "Naniniwala kami na ang unang hakbang ng sinserong pakikiramay ay ang ipaabot sa mga taga-Mindanao ang mensaheng handa ang pamahalaang tumulong sa oras ng pangangailangan (We believe the first step of sincere sympathy is to assure the people of Mindanao that the government is ready to help in times of need)." They encouraged Filipinos who are able to provide assistance through donations, volunteer work, or prayers, and vowed to coordinate with national agencies and local governments to support ongoing relief operations, reconstruction efforts, and the restoration of essential services in affected areas.
