Negros Occidental Rep. Alfredo “Albee” Benitez, chairman of the House Committee on Housing and Urban Development, yesterday vowed there will be no repeat of the “Yolanda” housing mess in the rebuilding of war-torn Marawi City as the House of Representatives will exercise its oversight function to ensure that the government housing projects for those affected by the five-month war will proceed as planned.
Benitez made the assurance even as he cited the RMB150 million (P1.15 billion) donation made by Chinese Premier Li Keqiang in behalf of the People’s Republic of China for the rehabilitation of Marawi City, the bulk of which may go to housing.
“We have learned our lessons from our experience in the Yolanda rehabilitation program. And this time, we will make sure that livable and comfortable houses intended for the beneficiaries are delivered on time, strictly according to the specifications,” said Benitez.
