House prosecutor Jose Manuel “Chel” Diokno of Akbayan Party-list on Thursday said the House of Representatives under Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III is actively helping victims of the Mindanao earthquake, even while preparing for the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Z. Duterte.
Humanitarian Response Amid Impeachment Preparations
“Even though we are in the middle of preparing for the impeachment trial, what happened and what is happening in Lindol in Mindanao is not far from our minds and conscience,” Diokno stated during a press conference at the House of Representatives. He emphasized that House members immediately united following the disaster, launching donation and relief efforts.
More than 100 House members have already pledged assistance, including personal contributions, to support earthquake victims. “Under the leadership of Speaker Bojie Dy, the members of the House of Representatives are coming together,” Diokno added.
Constitutional and Humanitarian Duties
Diokno assured the public that the House can fulfill its constitutional duty in the impeachment process while also responding to the humanitarian needs of quake-hit communities. “Impeachment is one of our duties under the Constitution, but helping the victims of this earthquake is a humanitarian duty,” he said. “We do not forget that.”
He stressed that efforts are underway to ensure aid reaches affected families and communities. The collective relief effort supplements assistance provided by lawmakers through their districts, local government partners, and constituents.
“While we are in the middle of preparing for this constitutional trial, we are also not forgetting our duties to legislate, and of course, our duties to provide as much assistance and support as we can to those who were affected by the earthquake,” Diokno concluded.
