JV Ejercito backs resolutions seeking adequate support for Mindanao earthquake victims, honoring frontliners
June 17, 2026
Senior Deputy Majority Leader JV Ejercito co-sponsored a Senate resolution urging the national government to ensure adequate funding and resources for the relief, rehabilitation, reconstruction, and recovery of communities affected by the recent magnitude 7.8 earthquake in Mindanao.
Proposed Senate Resolution No. 447 honors those who lost their lives in the disaster and calls for immediate and long-term government support for affected areas, particularly in Sarangani, South Cotabato, Davao Occidental, and Davao del Sur.
"Ang mga buhay pong ito ay hindi numero lamang. These are lives and futures that were abruptly cut short by this disaster. Ang bawat isa sa kanila ay may pangalan, mayroong kwento, pangarap, at mga mahal sa buhay na naiwan. Sila ay mga anak, asawa, kapatid, kaibigan, at mga mahal nating kababayan," Ejercito said during his co-sponsorship speech.
Ejercito stressed that the tragedy highlights the country's vulnerability to natural disasters and underscores the need for stronger infrastructure, better planning, and improved disaster preparedness.
"Kaya naman, nakikiisa po ako sa panawagan sa pamamagitan ng Senate Resolution na ito na tiyakin ng ating pamahalaan ang agaran at pang-matagalang suporta para sa rehabilitasyon at pagbangon ng Mindanao,”. Ejercito said.
“Bigyan natin ng malalim na kahulugan ang mga nawalang buhay sa pamamagitan ng pag-tiyak na ang mga naiwan ay muling makapagsisimula," he added.
The lawmaker from San Juan also pledged support for rehabilitation efforts in his capacity as the newly elected Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance.
“Titiyakin ng inyong lingkod na mayroong nakalaang suporta upang maibalik ang kaayusan, seguridad, at dignidad ng pamumuhay ng mga kapatid natin sa Mindanao na lubhang naapektuhan ng sakuna,” he said.
Based on the data from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council last Tuesday, 68 deaths were recorded while 33 remain missing.
Ejercito likewise co-sponsored Proposed Senate Resolution No. 452, which expresses the Senate's profound gratitude to rescue workers, healthcare and social welfare personnel, local government units, uniformed services, volunteer groups, and humanitarian responders who provided assistance to communities devastated by the earthquake.
“This Senate sees them, honors them, and values their sacrifice. No words can express how much we acknowledge your heroism,” Ejercito said.
“To the people of Mindanao, we stand with you. The road to recovery may be long, but you are not alone. The Senate, the government, and the Filipino people are with you.”
