Recto looking to file bill on creation of Taal Commission

Due to the damage brought by the eruption of the Taal Volcano, Senator Ralph Recto on Saturday said he will file a bill seeking the creation of a commission that will ensure the rehabilitation and recovery of Taal victims.

In a radio interview, Recto, whose wife is Batangas Rep. Vilma Santos, said the bill will be based on the Mount Pinatubo Commission.

"We will file a bill for [the] creation of Taal commission para sa ganoon, matulungan natin ang mga kabababayan sa Batangas kasama na sa Cavite. Para magkaroon ng rehab at recovery fund sa mga darating na taon," Recto said.

"Working on the bill now. We are looking at Pinatubo Commission. Pag-aaralan [ng] mabuti. Ngayon, ang Pampanga nakatayo na sa sariling paa at ganoon din ang gagawin natin dito," he added.

According to Recto, around 450,000 people have been evacuated in Batangas, while around 150,000 to 200,000 are staying in evacuation centers.

The Senate President Pro-Tempore also extended his thanks to the public.

"Kailangan talaga ng tulong ng lahat. Hindi kaya ng pamahalaan lahat. Kailangan ng pribadong sektor dahil sabi ko nga kulang-kulang kalahating milyong Batangueño ang apektado dito," Recto said.

"Salamat sa lahat ng tumutulong kaya wag mabahala ang ating mga kababayan dahil andito kami at ang buong Pilipinas para sa kanila," he added. — Joahna Lei Casilao/MDM, GMA News