BATTLE RUINS In this May 2018 photo, Marawi residents are allowed access to the main battle area at the city center to inspect their properties and neighborhoods seven months after the fighting between government troops and Islamic State-linked militants ended. (File photo by JEOFFREY MAITEM)
MANILA, Philippines — Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has committed to increase the proposed 2024 allocation to Marawi Compensation Fund to P5 billion, Basilan Representative Mujiv Hataman confirmed.
In a statement on Sunday, Hataman expressed hope this will push through as it will be a big help to the victims of 2017 Marawi siege.
“Nakakuha tayo uli ng commitment sa DBM na gagawin nilang P5 billion ang pondo para sa biktima ng Marawi Siege para sa pagpapatayo ng kanilang mga tahanan,” Hataman said.
READ: Hataman: DBM to increase P1-B allocated for 2024 Marawi compensation
(We were able to secure the commitment from DBM that they will increase the fund for victims of the Marawi Siege to P5 billion, so that they can rebuild their homes.)
He said Marawi residents are still struggling to rebuild their lives.
The P5 billion appropriation will be higher than the P1 billion originally set aside from the payment fund in 2024.
“Sana naman ay tuparin nila ito, para sa ikagagaan ng kalooban ng marami sa ating mga kababayang taga-Marawi,” the lawmaker said.
(I hope they fulfill this commitment to lighten the load of many of fellow countrymen who live in Marawi.)
“Kung tutupad ang pamahalaan sa pangakong itataas ang Marawi Compensation Fund sa P5 bilyon sa susunod na taon, malaking tagumpay ito para sa biktima ng Marawi Siege na naghintay ng mahigit anim na taon para maitayo ang kanilang mga nasirang tahanan,” he noted.
READ: Marawi siege victims file over ₱17 billion in claims
(If the government fulfills its promise to increase the Marawi Compensation Fund to P5 billion next year, this is a big victory for the victims of the Marawi Siege who waited six years to rebuild their damaged homes.)
Hataman also said DBM had promised to release P1 billion set aside for Marawi Compensation Fund in 2023.
He, however, believes such an allocation is inadequate.
“Hindi talaga kasya ang P1 bilyon sa isang taon,” he estimated.
(A P1 billion per year allocation would not really suffice.)
Marawi Compensation Board (MCB) has five years to complete the payments.