Diokno, Akbayan bloc seek probe of Mindanao quake, disaster readiness

MANILA, Philippines — Lawmakers from the Akbayan bloc in the House of Representatives have called for a congressional inquiry on the Mindanao earthquake’s impact and the government’s response, along with the country’s overall disaster preparedness.

In a statement on Friday, Akbayan party-list Rep. Chel Diokno said that he, along Akbayan party-list Reps. Percival Cendaña and Dadah Kiram Ismula, and Dinagat Islands Rep. Kaka Bag-ao, filed House Resolution (HR) No. 1127 directing the House committee on disaster resilience to conduct an inquiry in aid of legislation regarding the Magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Sarangani last June 8.

“As a country situated along the Pacific Ring of Fire, the Philippines remains highly vulnerable to major seismic events,” Diokno said.

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READ: Mindanao earthquake: P362M released for aid — Recto

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“The recent Mindanao earthquake underscored this vulnerability and highlighted the urgent need to strengthen disaster risk reduction, resilient infrastructure, emergency preparedness, and post-disaster recovery systems,” he added.

According to HR No. 1127, the Congress has a duty to “review existing laws, policies, and institutional mechanisms governing earthquake preparedness and response to identify legislative gaps” so that extent of the damage and loss of life during such calamities are minimized.

The resolution identified eight points that the committee on disaster resilience must check:

The extent of the damage caused by the earthquake to lives, livelihoods, homes, schools, hospitals, transportation networks, utilities, and other critical infrastructure

The effectiveness of the national and local governments’ disaster  preparedness, emergency response, search and rescue, evacuation, relief distribution, and recovery operations

The adequacy and utilization of national and local disaster funds, including Quick Response Funds and other appropriations for relief and rehabilitation

Compliance with existing building laws, engineering standards, and earthquake resilient construction requirements, especially for public infrastructure and essential facilities

The implementation and effectiveness of earthquake preparedness  programs, public education campaigns, early warning systems, and regular earthquake drills

Coordination among national government agencies, local government units, and humanitarian organizations in disaster response and post-disaster recovery

Measures to ensure transparency, accountability, and efficient use of  public resources in rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts

Legislative measures necessary to enhance earthquake resilience, strengthen disaster governance, improve infrastructure safety, and better protect communities from future seismic events

“The investigation also seeks to address gaps by crafting legislative measures needed to enhance earthquake resilience, strengthen disaster governance, improve infrastructure safety, and better protect communities from future seismic events,” Diokno said.

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Aside from this call for an investigation, Diokno said he has been pushing for legislative measures aimed at strengthening the country’s disaster resilience and emergency response capabilities, like the House Bill (HB) No. 6615, which he co-authored.

HB No. 6615, which contains the proposed New Philippine Building Act, was approved on third and final reading by the House last December 11, 2025, with 280 lawmakers voting in favor of the measure and none of those present opposing or abstaining.

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After the earthquake last June 8, several buildings in Central Mindanao and Davao Region either collapsed or were deemed unfit.  In General Santos City, the elementary school building of the Notre Dame of Dadiangas University collapsed, while a fast food outlet and a supermarket in the same area was also toppled.

On Thursday, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said that the death toll due to the earthquake has risen to 78, with 30 individuals still missing, and 1,339 injured. /mr

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HELP MINDANAO EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS

The Inquirer Foundation is calling for support for communities devastated by the recent magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Mindanao.

In partnership with the Philippine Red Cross, the foundation is amplifying appeals for food, clean water and other critical assistance for affected families.

Donors may send contributions directly to the Philippine Red Cross through its official transfer channels, the complete list is available on the PRC’s Facebook page.

The Philippine Red Cross has activated its emergency fund campaign and deployed teams on the ground to provide medical services, distribute relief goods and extend psychosocial support to affected families.