Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian announced that nearly P180 billion in funds remain available for the executive department to use for the rehabilitation of areas affected by the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Mindanao.
Gatchalian pushes for faster fund release
Gatchalian, who previously chaired the Finance Committee that scrutinized the 2026 National Budget, said he will push for the faster release of these funds from the executive department to ensure that earthquake victims can recover as quickly as possible.
Out of the P180 billion, up to P18 billion can be utilized under the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) as a risk reduction fund for reconstruction efforts. This amount, according to Gatchalian, can be used for the rehabilitation or rebuilding of structures damaged by the strong tremor.
Sufficient funds, need for swift action
The Senate President emphasized that there is enough funding available, and the only requirement is the prompt release of these funds for immediate rehabilitation. “We have sufficient funds. What is needed is the swift release of these funds so that rehabilitation can begin immediately,” Gatchalian said.
