DHUSD backs extension of Marawi Compensation Board
MANILA, Philippines — The existence of the Marawi Compensation Board (MCB) should be extended after its five-year run, the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) said on Monday.
DHSUD Assistant Secretary Melissa Aradanas disclosed the agency’s stand on the extension of MCB during the joint congressional oversight committee hearing on the Marawi Siege Victims Compensation Act of 2022.
Formed following the implementing rules and regulations of Republic Act No. 11696 or the Marawi Siege Victims Compensation Law in May 2023, the Board is mandated to complete its task within five years.
“I just want to put on record na supportive po kami doon sa possible extension kasi ang DHSUD di rin po namin kakayanin,” Aradanas told lawmakers.
(I just want to put on record that we support the possible extension because we in the DHSUD can’t cope.)
Upon the lapse of MCB, the DHSUD is tasked to “continue to exercise the powers and functions of the Board,” as stated by RA 11696.
“Matagal na rin po naming iniisip na kausapin ang Congress for the extension noong existence ng MCB,” Aradanas added.
(We have been considering asking Congress for the extension of MCB.)
However, Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa said it is too early to discuss MCB’s extension.
“I think my colleagues here will agree with me if I say na, it’s too early to tell kung kailangan i-extend o hindi, nasa first year pa lang tayo eh,” Dela Rosa said.
(I think my colleagues here will agree if I say it is too early to tell if we need to extend it; we are only in the first year.)
The MCB oversees the application process and compensation payment to qualified claimants.
MCB head Maisara Dandamun Latiph also told lawmakers that ₱17,456,836,830 claims have been filed by 4,762 claimants from July 4 to August 31. Of the 4,762, only around 220 claims have been assessed so far.
On May 23, 2017, the Maute group laid siege to Marawi City.
Government forces successfully liberated the city by October of the same year.
Numerous buildings and properties were damaged or destroyed, while 168 soldiers and police officers, around 900 Maute militants, and scores of civilians perished.
