Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 31) — The Senate approved on final reading a measure providing compensation to Marawi residents whose properties were destroyed or damaged due to the months-long siege in 2017.
The upper chamber on Monday passed Senate Bill No. 2420, also known as the proposed Marawi Siege Victims Compensation Act of 2021.
Under the bill, owners of residential, cultural, or commercial structures and other properties partially or totally damaged in the so-called Battle of Marawi, which lasted for five months, shall receive tax-free compensation from the national government.
Damages will likewise be awarded to owners of private properties which were demolished in the implementation of the city rehabilitation program.
The Marawi Compensation Board will be created to process and approve applications for claims. It is also tasked to determine the amount of payment to lawful owners.
The board is given five years from the effectivity of the implementing rules and regulations to complete its work. A joint congressional oversight committee will meanwhile be established to oversee and evaluate the implementation.
Areas covered by the proposed legislation are classified into the Main Affected Areas (MAA) and Other Affected Areas (OAA).
Twenty-four barangays in Marawi City are part of the MAA:
1. Lumbac Madaya
2. South Madaya
3. Raya Madaya
4. Raya Madaya
5. Sabala Amanao
6. Sabala Amanao Proper
7. Tolali
8. Daguduban
9. Norhaya Village
10. Banggolo Poblacion
11. Bubong Madaya
12. Lilod Madaya
13. Dansalan
14. Datu Sa Dansalan
15. Sangkay Dansalan
16. Moncado Colony
17. Moncado Kadilingan
18. Marinaut West
19. Marinaut East
20. Kapantaran
21. Wawalayan Marinaut
22. Lumbac Marinaut
23. Tuca Marinaut
24. Datu Naga
Eight others are included in the OAA list:
1. Saduc Proper
2. Panggao Saduc
3. Raya Saduc
4. Lilod Saduc
5. Datu Saber
6. Bangon
7. Fort
8. Wawalayan Caloocan
The House of Representatives also passed its version of the measure last September.
