Senate forms special committee to oversee Marawi rehab

Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

The Senate approved on Wednesday a resolution creating a special committee that would assess and oversee the rebuilding of war-torn Marawi City.

“The extent of the damage sustained by Marawi City and the large number of displaced citizens caused by the rebellion requires a well-coordinated large-scale rebuilding effort on the part of the government,” Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III said in a statement on Thursday.

Pimentel, who also filed the resolution, said this is a move to support President Rodrigo Duterte’s call to action, especially in the rehabilitation of structures leveled by the bombardment.

“This is the Senate’s contribution to President Duterte’s call for full support, assistance, and cooperation for Task Force Bangon Marawi,” the senator said.

“The Senate will respond to the plea for help of our brothers and sisters from Marawi City,” he added.

The committee was constituted with Senator Gringo Honasan as chair, and Senators Panfilo Lacson, Grace Poe, JV Ejercito, and Bam Aquino as members.

The members will be observing the government’s rebuilding initiatives and they will submit a report and recommendations on matters that require immediate need and improvement in Marawi rehabilitation.

The Islamic State-linked Maute terrorist group launched a rebellion with an attack on Marawi on May 23, displacing around 389,300 individuals as of July 1, Pimentel said. JPV