Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 7) — Two opposition senatorial candidates are asking the government to disclose the “real status” of rehabilitation efforts in war-torn Marawi.
Marawi civic leader Samira Gutoc and lawyer Chel Diokno of opposition slate Otso Diretso filed on Tuesday a Freedom of Information (FOI) request with Task Force Bangon Marawi, the body tasked to lead Marawi’s rehabilitation. Under President Rodrigo Duterte’s second executive order, the government should respond to such requests within 15 days.
Gutoc and Diokno want the government to inform the public about the status and timeline of clearing operations, restoration of water and electricity, reconstruction of roads, homes, and other infrastucture, and the much-awaited return of displaced residents.
“We are requesting on behalf of the thousands of Marawi residents who are still in temporary shelters today, unable to return to their homes, prevented from rebuilding their lives, and bereft of their right to decent and basic social services,” Gutoc said.
Over 300,000 residents were displaced by the five-month war between government forces and terrorists from May to October 2017. Houses and buildings were turned to rubble while more than 900 terrorists, 47 civilians and 165 government troops were killed.
Diokno lamented that Marawi residents and the public have been kept in the dark over a year since the government promised to restore Marawi. “Hindi namin maintindihan kung bakit hanggang ngayon parang puro salita lang, wala naman nangyayari,” Diokno said.
The senatorial aspirants also want the government to make public data and documents relating to the status of pledges and donations.
“President, we call on you and your responsibility to do what is right, to give us the proper information. Tinanggap nyo yung donasyon e. Ibalik nyo kung hindi nyo rin gagawin ang rehabilitasyon,” Gutoc said.
The government has set aside ₱67.99 billion for the city’s comprehensive rehabilitation. As of February, the Finance Department said over ₱40 billion has been raised through concessional loans as well as international grants.
Gutoc and Diokno also expressed dismay over President Rodrigo Duterte’s earlier statement that he would be leaving the city’s full restoration to affluent businessmen in the area. Malacañang has since clarified that the President only meant that the government will prioritize the residents and not the businessmen.
However, Diokno on Tuesday said the Duterte administration seems to be “washing its hands” while Gutoc said it is a “shame” that Duterte has “forgotten” the people of Marawi.
Task Force Bangon Marawi said authorities are confident the project is still within their timeline, and that they would be able to complete the rehabilitation by December 2021.
