Koko waives cap on senators' assistance to displaced Marawi residents
Displaced residents of Marawi city rest in an evacuation center in Balo-i township, Lanao del Norte province in southern Philippines Wednesday, May 31, 2017. AP/Bullit Marquez
MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III has issued a special order to remove the limit on financial assistance to displaced Marawi residents from senators.
Under normal rules, senators can only spend up to five percent of their office's budget for assistance to constituents. Pimentel issued the order in light of the ongoing crisis in the capital of Lanao del Sur province.
His order was based on Section III, Item 17.1 of Memorandum Circular 2016-002, which states that the Senate president may grant exemption to the limitation of five percent for Welfare Assistance expenses from the budget of each senator's office.
"The war against terrorism is not just won with bullets and bombs. It is won by the unity of the people, and through this measure, I hope to show our displaced brothers and sisters that they are not forgotten", Pimentel said.
Marawi City has been besieged by ISIS-inspired local terror group, Maute group days ahead of Ramadan. Since May 23, there were estimated thousands of residents who were displaced due to the armed conflict.
Pimentel called for prayers for Filipino Muslims as Ramadan ends. The food needs of civilians are projected to increase after the month of fasting.
"Let's join our Muslim brethren in celebrating Eid al-Fitr with prayers for peace and giving them help in their hour of need," Pimentel said. —Rosette Adel
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