Senators on Tuesday disclosed they donated P2.5 million to Turkey earthquake victims.
The lawmakers also passed a resolution expressing the chambers’ sympathy and condolences to the people of Turkey and Syria in the wake of the massive February earthquakes which have so far claimed over 50,000 lives.
Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri led the ceremonial turnover of the cash donation for quake victims in Turkey.
Turkish Ambassador Niyazi Evren Akyol received a copy of the resolution and the facsimile check for the financial assistance.
Philippine Red Cross chairman former Senator Richard Gordon was also present during the turnover ceremony.
“I thank all of my colleagues in the Senate for pooling together a total of 2.5 million pesos at P100,000 each Senator for a donation to the Turkish Red Crescent, coursed through the Philippine Red Cross,” Zubiri said.
“And we thank Senator Richard Gordon for facilitating the donation.”
The donation was entirely privately funded, with all twenty-four Senators dipping into their own pockets to make a contribution.
“The Philippines being a disaster-prone country, we have some idea of the tragedy that Turkey and Syria are facing, and so we wanted to help out, in our own way,” Zubiri said.
“We hope that our humble contributions, taken together, are able to offer some comfort and relief to the victims in this most difficult time.”
