Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian said Saturday that a Senate resolution urging the executive branch to fast-track funding for earthquake-hit areas in Mindanao is aimed at accelerating rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts, not merely expressing intent.

In an interview on DZRH’s “Special on Saturday,” Gatchalian said the measure, sponsored by Sen. Joel Villanueva, pushes the national government to quickly release available resources for communities affected by the recent quake.

He said he had estimated that about ₱180 billion in government resources could potentially be tapped for response and reconstruction efforts, including around ₱18 billion from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund.

“Itong NDRRMC fund ang pwede gamitin para makumpuni o maiayos itong mga gusaling na nasira,” Gatchalian said, referring to the allocation under the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council framework.

Gatchalian said the key issue is not the absence of funds but the speed at which these can be accessed and deployed.

“So may pondo, ang importante lang mabilis ang access ng pondo at yan ang kahalagahan ng resolution na ipinasa ng Senado sa pamamagitan ng sponsor na si Sen. Villanueva,” he added.

He also said the Senate adopted separate resolutions expressing gratitude to first responders, particularly the Armed Forces of the Philippines, for their logistical support during the emergency response operations.

He noted that military assets, including helicopters and C-130 aircraft, were crucial in delivering supplies and assistance to affected areas.

Gatchalian said the resolutions recognize both the need for swift rehabilitation and the contributions of frontliners during the disaster response.