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Resolution to speed up creation of MCB, backed by ‘entire’ Senate

September 1, 2022 PS Jun M. Sarmiento 245 views

THE resolution of Senator Robinhood “Robin” C. Padilla to fast-track the compensation process for victims of the 2017 Marawi Siege now has the support of both the majority and minority blocs of the Senate.

Padilla said his Senate Resolution (SR) no. 8, which urges the Office of the Executive Secretary to conduct the vetting process for nominees who will compose the Marawi Compensation Board (MCB), gained the support of Sen. Risa Hontiveros.

“Humingi tayo ng tulong kay Sen. Hontiveros. At siya, in-endorse niya. Bakit si Ma’am Risa? Kasi siya ang nasa minority. Wala pong pinakamaganda kundi majority at minority ay nagkakasundo,” Padilla said in an interview aired Wednesday evening on NET-25.

He added he continues to talk to all fellow senators, whether in the minority or majority – or even independent to support the bills and resolutions he has filed.

Last Aug. 15, Padilla’s resolution got the support of the majority bloc when Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri assured he would “prioritize” the matter.

In filing SR no. 8, Padilla pointed out that many affected by the siege in 2017 have yet to get their compensation, but there has been no appropriation.

Last April, RA 11696, or the Marawi Siege Victims Compensation Act of 2022, became law and provided for the creation of the MCB to process compensation for the victims.

“Since the passage of RA 11696 on April 13, 2022, victims of the Marawi Siege have been clamoring for the organization of the MCB… so it can forthwith perform its functions, organize, and promulgate the implementing rules and regulations,” Padilla said.