SENATOR Alan Peter Cayetano has called for a collaborative approach by key government agencies to develop a more equitable compensation scheme for the victims of the 2017 Marawi siege.
Cayetano issued the call following a hearing of the Senate Special Committee on Marawi City Rehabilitation and Victims’ Compensation on Tuesday.
Senate Bill No. 2828 aims to address gaps in the Marawi Siege Victims Compensation Act (Republic Act No. 11696) to ensure a more equitable compensation process for affected residents.
Cayetano emphasized the importance of compensation in helping victims restore their lives to their pre-war state, stating that it is essential for them to have a fair chance to rebuild and move forward.
“I am confident that if we collaborate with relevant agencies and present a creative and well-thought-out compensation strategy, we can gain the support of our President and fellow members of Congress,” he said.
During a joint congressional oversight committee meeting on Marawi’s recovery held on May 21, 2024, the senator stressed that compensation should be based on the “replacement or repair cost” of lost properties rather than outdated market values, aligning with the bill’s objective of providing fairer and more realistic compensation.
