Manila, Philippines – The Special Committee on Marawi City Rehabilitation and Victims Compensation, chaired by Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, held a public hearing today to discuss potential amendments to Republic Act No. 11696, also known as the Marawi Siege Victims Compensation Act. The session focused on Senate Bill No. 2828, a proposed measure aimed at improving the implementation of compensation for Marawi Siege victims by addressing perceived shortcomings in the original law.
Retroactive Effect on Previous Claimants
One of the key points raised during the hearing was the potential retroactive impact of the amendments on previous claimants. Senate Majority Leader Francis “Tol” Tolentino questioned whether the proposed changes would apply to claimants who had already received compensation under the existing law. He noted that, under Senate Bill No. 2828, the basis for determining compensation would shift from the fair market value of properties to an area-per-story valuation method. This change, he suggested, could lead to a different calculation for damages.
“Those who have already availed of compensation had it based on fair market value,” Tolentino pointed out. “If we establish new implementing rules according to this amendment, could there be conflicts?”
Representatives from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) cautioned that retroactive application of the changes might have significant fiscal implications, potentially impacting budget allocations for Marawi’s rehabilitation.
Dela Rosa Highlights Need for Improvements in RA 11696
Senator Dela Rosa emphasized the need to strengthen RA 11696 to ensure it fully serves the needs of those affected by the 2017 Marawi Siege. Although he acknowledged that the law is relatively recent, he argued that further refinement is necessary to address specific issues that have emerged since its enactment.
“While RA 11696 is stable, it cannot afford to stand still,” Dela Rosa remarked. “Not in the face of a barangay’s pleas to be included in the list of affected areas, or when victims themselves report that the current basis for determining property damage is not favorable. The goal of reparation must be fully realized, yet it remains elusive for many.”
Committee’s Focus on Victims’ Welfare
The hearing was held in response to growing concerns among Marawi siege survivors about the accessibility and fairness of the compensation process. Many affected residents have expressed frustration over delays and alleged discrepancies in how damages are calculated. The proposed amendment seeks to address these concerns by offering a more consistent valuation metric, potentially leading to faster and more equitable compensation for the victims.
As deliberations continue, the committee will further examine how best to ensure that amendments to the Marawi Siege Victims Compensation Act will benefit both new and existing claimants, while taking into account the financial viability and logistical requirements of implementing any changes.
The Senate is expected to continue discussions on the proposed amendments in upcoming sessions, with further hearings planned to gather insights from stakeholders and relevant agencies.
