(File photo)
MANILA – A Senate resolution urging the executive department to fast-track the compensation process for victims of the 2017 Marawi Siege has also gained the support of the minority bloc.
Senator Robin Padilla said his Senate Resolution 8 urging the Office of the Executive Secretary to screen nominees who will compose the Marawi Compensation Board (MCB), gained the support of minority Senator Risa Hontiveros.
"Humingi tayo ng tulong kay Sen. Hontiveros. At siya, in-endorse niya. Bakit si Ma'am Risa? Kasi siya ang nasa minority. Wala pong pinakamaganda kundi majority at minority ay nagkakasundo (We asked Sen. Hontiveros for support for the resolution, and she endorsed it. Why Ma'am Risa? Because she's in the minority. There is nothing more beautiful than seeing the majority and minority being united)," Padilla said in an interview over NET-25 on Wednesday night.
The resolution has already earned the majority bloc’s support after Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri assured on Aug. 15 that he will prioritize the matter.
Padilla expressed appreciation to Zubiri for supporting his move to create MCB that will assist the Marawi siege victims.
In filing Senate Resolution 8, Padilla pointed out that many affected by the Marawi siege have yet to get their compensation due to lack of appropriation.
Last April, Republic Act 11696 or the Marawi Siege Victims Compensation Act of 2022 was signed, providing for the creation of the MCB to process the compensation for the victims.
"Since the passage of RA 11696 on 13 April 2022, victims of the Marawi Siege have been clamoring for the organization of the MCB ... so it can forthwith perform its functions, organize, and promulgate the implementing rules and regulations," Padilla said. (PNA)
