Manila, June 9 -- Members of the Senate's new majority bloc on Tuesday pledged to donate one month's salary to support relief and recovery efforts in communities devastated by the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck parts of Mindanao.

In a joint statement, the group also called on their colleagues in the minority bloc to join the initiative, saying the disaster presents an opportunity for the Senate to show unity despite political differences.

"As a personal contribution to the relief effort, members of the Senate New Majority are prepared to donate one month of our salary to help support affected communities," the senators said.

The bloc said the contribution is intended to help families facing the immediate challenges of rescue, re...