SENATOR Robinhood “Robin” C. Padilla on Tuesday pushed for the “speedy” creation of a compensation board that would process claims from victims of the siege, stressing that the victims of the 2017 Marawi Siege have waited long enough for their compensation.

“It has been five years since the Marawi Siege transpired, and the victims are still awaiting the implementation of (Republic Act) 11696 in the hopes that they can finally return to and rebuild their homes after suffering as internally displaced persons for half a decade,” Padilla said in Senate Resolution 8.

“Now, therefore, be it resolved as it is hereby resolved, to urge the Office of the Executive Secretary to conduct the vetting process of the nominees that will compose the Marawi Compensation Board for purposes of their appointment by the President as provided under RA 11696 or the Marawi Siege Victims Compensation Act of 2022,” he added.

Padilla pointed out many innocents were killed while many others lost their homes and property after terrorist groups attacked Marawi in 2017.

In April 2022, Republic Act 11696, or the Marawi Siege Victims Compensation Act of 2022 became a law. It provided for the creation of the “Marawi Compensation Board” (MCB) to process compensation for the victims.

The President is to appoint a Chairperson and eight members to the board. Three of the members should be from the Philippine Bar and preferably Maranao lawyers. Two are representatives of civil society organizations, with at least one being a Sharia lawyer or a Muslim traditional leader. There should be one licensed physician, certified public accountant, educator and licensed civil engineer.

Padilla noted the victims of the siege have been clamoring for the formation of the MCB.

“Since the passage of RA 11696 on 13 April 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,”

AUTHOR PROFILE

PS Jun M. Sarmiento