The Senate is pushing for the swift release of executive funds for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of earthquake-hit areas in Mindanao, with Senate President Win Gatchalian computing that around ₱180 billion remains available for response and reconstruction efforts.
Gatchalian made the disclosure in an interview on DZRH News program Special on Saturday on June 20, saying the Senate passed a resolution sponsored by Senator Joel Villanueva urging the executive branch to expedite the release of funds for areas devastated by the recent earthquake.
“Kinompute ko, almost 180 billion ang pwede pang gamitin ng executive sa response and reconstruction efforts. ‘Pag titingnan natin sa 180 billion, almost around 18 billion ang pwedeng gamitin sa tinatawag nating NDRRMC,” Gatchalian said.
He said the ₱18 billion specifically available from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund can be used to repair or rebuild damaged buildings in earthquake-affected communities, and that the Senate’s priority now is ensuring fast access to these funds rather than simply having them allocated on paper.
Gatchalian said the Senate also passed a separate resolution thanking frontline responders, particularly the Armed Forces of the Philippines, for providing logistical support during the disaster response, including the use of helicopters and C-130 aircraft to deliver relief goods to affected areas.
