Manila, March 25 -- Voluntary pay cuts among government officials may help augment funding for fuel subsidies and cash assistance amid the oil crisis, a senator said Wednesday.

Senator Joseph Victor "JV" Ejercito said proposals to trim salaries and allowances could support aid for vulnerable sectors while setting an example in government austerity.

"That's a noble offer na kung kinakailangan mag-trim down sa salaries, allowances, malaking bagay din po yun... baka pwedeng yung sweldo nila i-donate na lang nila sa vulnerable sectors (That's a noble offer -if salaries and allowances are trimmed, it would be a big help... salaries could even be donated to vulnerable sectors)," Ejercito said during the Kapihan sa Senado forum.

He said such ...