‘We have to act fast’: Legarda hails Marawi Siege Victims Compensation Act of 2021

Loren Legarda. Contributed photo

MANILA, Philippines — Senatorial candidate Loren Legarda has applauded the Senate’s approval of the Marawi Siege Victims Compensation Act on its third and final reading.

The incumbent House Deputy Speaker said that Senate Bill No. 2420, which aims to provide compensation for the people’s loss or destruction of properties to the Marawi siege in 2017, will help restore hope and provide assistance to improve the lives of the people in Marawi.

“We have to act fast in helping our people move on and get back to their lives after losing their livelihood, their homes, and for some, even their families,” she said.

Legarda co-authored House Bill No. 9925, the counterpart bill passed by the House of Representatives in 2021.

The proposed legislation in the Senate intends to provide tax-free compensation to owners of residential, cultural, commercial structures, and other properties in Marawi City’s main affected area (MAA) or other affected areas (OAA).

“It has been almost five years since the 5-month long Marawi siege resulted in massive destruction of properties and displacement of communities… And people who were affected are still clamoring for the rehabilitation of the city as the evacuees living in temporary shelters expressed their desire to leave their dire condition after they continue to be affected by other calamities and the current COVID-19 pandemic,” said Legarda.

Loren Legarda was bestowed the title of Bai a labi as an honorary Muslim princess by the Marawi Sultanate league. Contributed photo

As a former chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, Legarda allotted P10 billion under the 2018 General Appropriations Act under the NDRRM Fund for the quick recovery, reconstruction, and rehabilitation of Marawi City. She also ensured that a P500 million subsidy for a loan facility for Marawi residents will be provided under the Land Bank of the Philippines’ auspices to reconstruct their damaged houses.

Legarda also pushed then for the restoration of the P1-billion budget of the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) Shared Service Facilities (SSF) Project in 2018, P50 million of which was allocated for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) affected by the war in Marawi.

“With the P50 million DTI SSF fund that we allocated, we have disbursed 40 SSF projects by December 2020. From weaving, garment, and dressmaking, to bakeries, catering, ice cream production, even hollow blocks manufacturing, we provided the Marawi people with better opportunities,” said Legarda, who is also a Bai a Labi (Honorary Muslim Princess) of the Marawi Sultanate League.

“The people of Marawi have suffered a lot. I will continue to push for increased funding for livelihood programs and ensure that government interventions are brought closer to the people,” she said.