MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--Sectoral representatives of residents here have been given the opportunity to run through page by page what the Republic Act No. 11696 or the Marawi Siege Victims Compensation Act would at least provide to the target populace. 

This, following the public hearing with experts on Thursday, April 27, wherein the Marawi Compensation Board (MCB) presented its proposed implementing rules and regulations (IRR). 

MCB Secretary Lawyer Sittie Raifah Pamaloy-Hassan said the initial draft of IRR states their main purpose which is to ensure the proper, efficient, and effective implementation of the law. 

Accordingly, the law has established the MCB which is an independent quasi-judicial body of nine members. 

Hassan enumerated the board’s scope which includes the power to conduct administrative proceedings. 

Additionally, it will also be the one to receive, evaluate, investigate, process, and approve eligible claims, disburse compensation, issue subpoenas, promulgate rules, and exercise administrative control over the secretariat. 

Hassan further bared that in the IRR, claimants will be allowed to file their applications for compensation within one year, and failure to file will signify the waiver of the right. 

The filing may be done personally, electronically, or through online appointments by eligible claimants who are lawful owners of personal property, residential, cultural and commercial structures, and their legal heirs. 

The MCB stressed that there shall be no fees when filing, however, applicants must bear the costs for photocopying, scanning, or other similar expenses. 

As for the requirements, Hassan detailed that applicants would need to present their application form, sworn statement, and proof of ownership or other competent proof as the IRR emphasizes that substantial evidence is required to prove the eligibility of any compensation claim.

Hassan likewise disclosed the determination of award for the eligible claimants of the compensation. 

She revealed that a minimum of P100,000 shall be paid for the lives lost outside the most affected area (MAA) and a minimum of P350,000 for those who perished inside MAA. 

Meanwhile, reparation for the damaged structures will depend on whichever is the lower amount of either the fair market value or the value of its total area per storey. Other properties will be paid based on the fair market value at the time of loss. 

The MCB underscored that the presented IRR is not final, thus, the public hearing to get and take into account the comments, opinions, and positions of the concerned people and experts from different sectors for the efficient, timely, and effective enforcement of the law. (CRG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)