The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) approved the release of Php1 billion compensation for the Marawi siege victims on Tuesday, September 24.
The fund was allocated for the victims of the 2017 Marawi crisis, providing them the needed support for recovery and rehabilitation. The DBM said that 574 beneficiaries will be receiving the monetary compensation for structural damages and death claims this year.
Allocated funds cover claims for fully and partially damaged structures, including the lives lost during the conflict.
“As a daughter of Mindanao, I can say na malaking tulong po itong P1-billion Marawi Siege Victims Compensation para tuluyang makabangon ang mga kababayan natin sa Marawi. Gusto po ng administrasyon ni President BBM na mabigyan ng sapat na suporta at kakayanan ang mga apektadong pamilya na maibalik sa normal ang kanilang pamumuhay,” Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said.
Section 41 of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act (RA) No. 11696 indicates a fair and efficient process for determining monetary compensation. Additionally, eligible claimants will receive payments based on the extent of their losses, including residential, commercial, and personal properties. The Marawi Compensation Board will be managing the fund distribution.
The DBM said that the compensation would be tax-free so that beneficiaries receive the full amount. Families of the deceased will also be receiving the compensation, in accordance to the Code of Muslim Personal Laws of the Philippines or the Civil Code of the Philippines.
However, if the original property owner is deceased, legal heirs may claim the compensation by submitting the necessary documents.
The Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) was approved on September 24 and is chargeable against the FY 2024 General Appropriations Act. It is responsible for incurring the obligations for specified amounts contained for specific periods.
