The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) welcomes the House of Representatives’ speedy adoption of the Senate Bill No. 2420 or the Marawi Siege Victims Compensation Act. This move helps ensure the immediate transmittal of the legislative measure to Malacañang for the Chief Executive’s signature.

The bill, if enacted into law, will solve the problem of rebuilding houses of those affected by the siege through the creation of Marawi Compensation Board. The body will facilitate the tax-free payment of reparations to qualified claimants who lost their residential and commercial properties due to the siege. This is a boost to the morale of the people of Marawi who have endured so much loss and years of displacement.

According to the Task Force Bangon Marawi, 80% of public infrastructures in the city has been reconstructed as of December 2021. However, funds released were only for government infrastructures and not for the reconstruction of houses and buildings of residents affected by the siege. Thus, many of the so-called “Most Affected Areas” in Marawi remain uninhabitable.

CHR is hopeful that the President will swiftly sign the bill into law to help private individuals and families rebuild their lives and properties. Their plight deserves urgent action by the government in recognition of their exacerbated vulnerability and prolonged displacement.

To ensure genuine healing and rehabilitation, we also look forward to equal efforts to ensure peace and sustainable livelihood towards genuine healing and restoration of Marawi and its people. ###