Manila Bulletin
House conducts historic session in Batangas, approves measures for disaster relief
The House of Representatives held a historic session in Batangas City, with 204 congressmen in attendance, to address concerns for those displaced by the Taal Volcano eruption.
The session was convened as a Committee of the Whole to hear directly from local leaders, officials, first responders, and affected individuals.
The House began processing House Bill No. 5989, which seeks to create the Department of Disaster Resilience.
House Resolutions No. 662 and 655 were swiftly approved, committing to a supplemental budget for aid and urging the NDRRMC to brief members on the situation.
Batangas Governor Hermilando Mandanas stated that daily expenses for food in evacuation centers alone reached P150 million, with damage to livelihoods exceeding P5 billion.
Barangay chairperson Jocelyn Bayanay of San Nicolas reported total destruction in her community, stating that not even one property remained.
Agoncillo Mayor Daniel Reyes noted that 9,000 out of his town's 44,000 population are in evacuation centers, with the rest staying with relatives or friends.
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President Duterte has urged Congress to expedite the approval of a P30 billion supplemental budget for victims of the Taal Volcano eruption.
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House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano has directed the House committees on disaster management, tourism, agriculture, and trade to collaborate on a comprehensive, disaster-resilient, and sustainable rehabilitation plan for communities affected by the Taal Volcano eruption.
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Senator Ralph Recto and Deputy Speaker Vilma Santos-Recto are proposing the creation of a "Taal Commission" to oversee rehabilitation efforts for communities affected by the Taal Volcano eruption.
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Malacañang is open to the creation of a Taal Commission to handle the rehabilitation of communities affected by the Taal Volcano eruption, though a specific task force is not deemed necessary at this time.
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Muntinlupa City has dispatched rescue teams and distributed relief goods to residents affected by the Taal Volcano eruption.
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