Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman approved the issuance of a Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) amounting to P1 billion to cover the Marawi Siege Victims Compensation under the Fiscal Year 2023 General Appropriations Act (GAA).
“The rehabilitation and recovery of Marawi has always been a project that is close to my heart. I am a Maranao by soul and blood, and I feel so much joy and pride seeing Marawi rise again six years after the siege. Seeing my fellow Maranaos overcome that dreadful history with so much strength and resiliency brings warmth to my heart,” the Budget Secretary emphasized.
“I am sincerely thankful that President Bongbong Marcos continues to support programs and projects in Mindanao. Malaking bagay po sa mga Maranao at sa mga taga Mindanao ito. It makes us feel that we are indeed part of this unified Bagong Pilipinas, where no one is left behind,” Sec Pangandaman added.
The Marawi Compensation Board (MCB) determined that 362 victims will receive monetary compensation from the P1 billion allocation under the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund (NDRRMF).
Special Provision No. 3 of the NDRRMF in the FY 2023 GAA states that the initial appropriation shall be used for the compensation to:
1. Any lawful owner of a residential, cultural, commercial structures, and other properties in Marawi's Main Affected Areas or Other Affected Areas destroyed or damaged, either totally or partially, on the occasion of the Marawi Siege
2. Owners of private properties demolished pursuant to the implementation of the Marawi Recovery, Rehabilitation, and Reconstruction Program
3. The heirs of those who died and legally presumed dead, in accordance with RA No. 11696 and guidelines to be promulgated by the Marawi Compensation Board.
In accordance with RA No. 116964, or the Marawi Siege Victims Compensation Act of 2022, MCB was established to facilitate the tax-free payment of compensation or reparations to qualified individuals whose properties and possessions were lost or destroyed due to the 2017 Marawi Siege.
Meanwhile, Section 41 of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of RA No. 11696, Determination of Award of Monetary Compensation, establishes the framework for determining the monetary compensation claims due to each eligible claimant for loss of lives.
It also mandates the MCB to determine the monetary compensation and award of the lawful owner based on the Fair Market Value or replacement cost of the total or repair cost of partially damaged structures of the residential, cultural, and commercial properties.
“Indeed, there is still a lot more to do. But let this milestone serve as a reminder to all of us to shape a future moving forward, steered by our united commitment to achieve lasting peace and long-term prosperity,” Secretary Pangandaman emphasized. (DBM/PIA-Caraga)
