The House of Representatives is willing to adjust the P5.268 trillion 2023 national budget to aid the typhoon-stricken victims and provide funds for the rehabilitation of storm-hit areas wrought by severe tropical storm, "Paeng," Speaker Martin Romualdez said Sunday.

The Leyte representative said a comprehensive assessment of damage and destruction would be made by the House.

"Please expect that we will do everything so that our countrymen can rise again from this new challenge that we are facing today," Romualdez said.

"Paeng," packing winds of 75 kilometers per hour, ravaged parts of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao Friday.

State of calamity backed

Meanwhile, the Speaker backed the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council's recommendation to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to declare a national state of calamity for one year.

On Saturday, Office of Civil Defense administrator Raymundo Ferrer informed the emergency full council that 16 of the country's 17 regions are considered high risk for "Paeng."

In addition, he noted that 25 of the 64 provinces, which are within 850 kilometers of the storm, are also considered to be at high risk.

Romualdez said reports reaching his office show that almost all regions in the country were affected by the onslaught of "Paeng."

Bridges, roads, and key infrastructure have been destroyed.

The House will also use its "power over the purse" to show that rehabilitation of affected communities will proceed unhampered as soon as the relief stage is completed, according to the Speaker.

He sought the help of his colleagues in the lower chamber to assist the executive departments and agencies assess the damage caused by the storm and assist in relief operations in their respective districts.

Damage assessment pushed

House Appropriations Committee chairperson Zaldy Co, meanwhile, was tasked to compile the damage assessment from House members and executive offices to help review potential adjustments to the budget allotted for repair and rehabilitation of affected areas under the proposed 2023 General Appropriations Act.

However, a House leader warned against putting the country in a state of calamity and requested that the NDRRMC first study the proposal.

House Deputy Majority Leader Rep. Janette Garin stressed that it would be best if the NDRRMC would study and evaluate fully if declaring a national state of calamity is what the country needs in the aftermath of "Paeng."

Garin cited the advantages the state of calamity would provide like an automatic price freeze on basic necessities under Republic Act 7581, or the Price Act — and the granting of no-interest loans by the government financial institutions and reprogramming of funds for the repair of infrastructure.

Apart from these, the government can also use its quick response funds, NDRRMC funds, the President's Contingent Fund, and the Presidential Social Fund from the Philippine Amusements and Gaming Corp.

However, Garin admitted that she has some reservations.

"Sa mga affected areas lang dapat muna siguro ang maging rekomendasyon ng NDRMMC and with safeguards in place na hindi maabuso," she said.

She explained that declaring a state of calamity follows particular criteria, and not all provinces will qualify.

House raises P35M

The House of Representatives has raised P35 million in pledges after holding round-the-clock meetings with concerned agencies and high-ranking government officials this weekend to ensure a well-coordinated relief drive for the victims of "Paeng."

According to Romualdez, as of 12:45 a.m. on Sunday, his office has already gained pledges of assistance from his fellow lawmaker, Ako Bicol Partylist Rep. Zaldy Co, the chairperson of the House Committee on Appropriations, and private individuals.

"During the darkest hours, the House of the People in coordination and partnership with the Marcos administration is always here to assist and help Filipinos in their time of need," said the Leyte solon.

"We will support all the national government initiatives in pursuing relief and recovery efforts in areas affected by typhoon 'Paeng,'" he added.