PH Senate majority bloc pledges one-month pay for Mindanao relief

Members of the Senate's majority bloc have pledged to donate one month of their salaries to support communities affected by the magnitude-7.8 earthquake that struck Mindanao, while also encouraging senators from the minority bloc to participate in the initiative.

“The Senate New Majority stands with the families and communities in Mindanao who are now facing the painful work of rescue, relief, rebuilding and recovery after the powerful earthquake,” they said in a statement.

The group said the donation is intended to provide immediate assistance to residents grappling with the aftermath of the disaster.

“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,” they expressed.

The senators also appealed for unity within the chamber despite political differences.

"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.”

According to Office of Civil Defense deputy spokesperson Diego Mariano, the earthquake had claimed at least 37 lives as of 6 a.m. Tuesday, while 456 people were injured and four remained missing.

The disaster affected 17,689 families, or 77,186 individuals, with 5,343 families comprising 19,365 people currently taking shelter in evacuation centers.

The Senate New Majority said the donation carries significance beyond its monetary value, emphasizing the need to reassure affected communities that they are not alone during the crisis.

“What we hope to give is not only financial assistance, but a clear message that Mindanao is not facing this burden alone,” they said.

“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,” they added.

The group said the funds should be directed toward urgent needs identified by local communities and frontline responders, particularly while damage assessments remain ongoing.

“Our contribution should go to immediate needs such as food, clean water, medicine, temporary shelter and other assistance identified by local communities and responders on the ground,” they noted.

The senators likewise urged the public to extend assistance through prayers, donations, and other forms of support.

“We ask the entire nation to keep Mindanao in their prayers and, where able, to give in any way they can, because in moments of calamity, every act of kindness becomes part of the country’s healing,” they expressed.

They added that they will continue working with national agencies and local government units to ensure aid reaches affected communities and supports long-term recovery efforts.

“We will continue to coordinate with the proper national and local authorities to support relief, reconstruction and the safe restoration of essential services in affected areas,” they stated.