BY: Vanne Elaine P. Terrazola
The Senate has created a special committee that will focus on the rebuilding of war-torn Marawi City.
The Senate adopted Senate Resolution 457 establishing the Senate Special Committee on Marawi that will study, review, assess, examine, investigate, and inquire into matters on the rebuilding of Marawi.
The committee is chaired by Sen. Gringo B. Honasan. Senators Panfilo Lacson, Grace Poe, JV Ejercito, and Bam Aquino are its members.
Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, who introduced the resolution, said the special committee will look into the extent of damage in Marawi for its immediate rehabilitation.
“The extent of the damage sustained by Marawi City and the large number of displaced citizens caused by the rebellion requires a well-coordinated large-scale rebuilding effort on the part of the government,” he said.
“This is the Senate’s contribution to President Duterte’s call for full support, assistance, and cooperation for Task Force Bangon Marawi. The Senate will respond to the plea for help of our brothers and sisters from Marawi City,” he added.
Pimentel said the Special Committee on Marawi, among other duties, will estimate the cost of constructing and rehabilitating damaged facilities in Marawi.
“The committee will focus on the cost. After finalizing the plans for Marawi and when we have found the money to finance the plan and set aside the money, that ad hoc committee will dissolve by itself,” he said.
“These people need all the help they can receive from the government and the private sector to rebuild their lives by starting to rebuild their home city,” the Senate chief said.
