As a way to expedite the delivery of aid to earthquake-stricken Mindanao, Mamamayang Liberal (ML) Party-list Rep. Leila de Lima has filed a measure seeking supplemental funding for fiscal year 2026 to augment the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund (NDRRMF).

De Lima's House Bill (HB) No. 9860 is meant to serve as a counterpart measure to Senator Kiko Pangilinan’s Senate Bill (SB) No. 2259, which aims to appropriate an additional P15 billion budget to address the needs of areas affected by the 7.8-magnitude earthquake that recently struck Mindanao.

Having similar or counterpart bills in both legislative chambers (House of Representatives and Senate) at the same time facilitates faster enactment of such measures.

De Lima, through her bill, wants to augment the NDRRMF for the relief, recovery, rehabilitation, repair, and reconstruction efforts in the affected areas. It strategically allocates funds across sectors to efficiently respond to all disaster impacts.

“Lubos po tayong nakikiramay at ipinagdarasal natin ang mga naulilang pamilya, gayundin ang lahat ng mga humaharap ngayon sa matinding hamon dulot ng malakas na lindol,” De Lima said on Thursday, June 11.

(We deeply sympathize and pray for the bereaved families, as well as all those now facing the severe challenges brought by the strong earthquake.)

“Extremely urgent ang pangangailangan ng ating mga kababayan sa Mindanao. Hindi na tayo makakahintay pa sa susunod na regular budget process. Sa lawak ng pinsalang idinulot ng lindol, lubhang kailangan ng agarang aksyon at sapat na pondo para sa mga apektado upang masimulan na nilang makabangon at makabalik agad-agad sa normal na pamumuhay," she said.

(The needs of our fellow citizens in Mindanao are extremely urgent. We cannot wait for the next regular budget process. Given the extent of the earthquake’s damage, immediate action and sufficient funds are necessary so those affected can begin to recover and return quickly to normal life.)

“Delay in funding could worsen the condition of affected communities, delay economic recovery, disrupt student’s education and protract recovery timelines. Huwag na sana nating pabigatin ang pasanin ng mga apektado nating kababayan sa pagkakait o pag-aatubili na ipagkaloob ang kinakailangang pondo at serbisyo,” added De Lima in justifying the bill.

(Let us not further burden our affected fellow citizens by withholding or hesitating to provide the necessary funds and services.)

The June 8 tremblor has caused severe structural damage across multiple regions in Mindanao, claiming lives, destroying homes, classrooms, hospitals, and other critical infrastructure, disrupting livelihoods, and affecting power transmission lines, among other facilities.

Under the bill, the additional P15 billion budget will be allocated, as follows:

a) P2 billion for the Department of Agriculture (DA), of which P1 billion each shall be allocated to the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) and the Presidential Assistance to Farmers and Fisherfolk;

b) P2 billion for the Department of Education (DepEd);

c) P1.5 billion for the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD);

d) P500 million for the Department of Energy (DOE);

e) P1 billion for State Universities and Colleges (SUCs);

f) P1.5 billion for the Department of Health (DOH), of which P1 billion shall be used for damaged DOH hospitals and health facilities, and P500 million shall fund the purchase of health equipment, medical supplies and other health-related capital outlay and operating needs for affected areas;

g) P1 billion for the DOH and concerned local government units (for rural, district, provincial and city hospitals, as well as rural health units, barangay health stations and other local health facilities);

h) P1 billion for the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH);

i) P2 billion for the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) and National Housing Authority (NHA);

j) P500 million for the Department of Transportation (DOTr); and

k) P2 billion for affected LGUs for their needed repair, reconstruction, rehabilitation, restoration and recovery services and programs.

Furthermore, the measure incorporates accountability mechanisms, including multi-agency coordination, geographic prioritization, comprehensive transparency requirements, and regular reporting to legislative committees and the public.

Priority shall be given to areas with the highest reported earthquake intensity, the greatest number of affected families and individuals, the most severe damage to public infrastructure and lifeline facilities, the highest level of service disruption, and the highest risk to public health and safety.

“During these challenging times, we must prioritize the urgent needs of affected families and ensure no community is left behind in disaster recovery. Tulong-tulong po tayo dito. Hindi pwedeng magteka-teka o unahin ang politika o pansariling agenda,” De Lima stressed.

(We must all help each other. We cannot hesitate or put politics or personal agendas first.)