House OKs Marawi compensation bill

MANILA, Philippines — With 197 votes, the House of Representatives approved on third and final reading on Monday a bill that seeks to provide compensation to those affected by the Marawi siege in 2017.

House Bill 9925 or the proposed Marawi Compensation Act provides compensation through Task Force Bangon Marawi to qualified claimants for the loss or destruction of both residential and commercial properties during the conflict.

Under the bill, a compensation subcommittee of the task force shall receive and resolve claims.

A government financial institution or a qualified appraiser accredited by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas will determine the monetary value of the property.

House Deputy Speaker Mujiv Hataman lauded the approval of the measure, saying it is a “great first step in rebuilding a dignified Marawi.”

”The passage of this bill may have been delayed for four years, but this could hopefully give Marawi residents a fresh start,” Hataman said.

He urged the Senate to expedite the approval of its counterpart measure.