‘Special’ Senate panel to assess damage, rehab efforts in Marawi City

The Senate, on Wednesday, adopted Senate Resolution 457, which will be tasked to study, review, assess, examine, investigate, and inquire into matters relating to the rebuilding of Marawi City. (PNA Photo)

MANILA, Aug. 10 — A special Senate committee was formed to assess the extent of damage in the conflict-torn Marawi City as well as the estimated cost of the rehabilitation of the damaged properties.

The Senate, on Wednesday, adopted Senate Resolution 457, which will be tasked to study, review, assess, examine, investigate, and inquire into matters relating to the rebuilding of Marawi City.

Also under the resolution, the committee will also study the estimated cost of construction and rehabilitation of the damaged properties, infrastructure, and facilities necessary for the reconstruction and rehabilitation.

Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III earlier filed the resolution on Monday (August 7) noting in his resolution that Maranaoans “need all the help they can receive from the government and the private sector.”

Senator Gringo Honasan was assigned as chair of the committee while Senators Paolo Benigno Aquino IV, Joseph Victor Ejercito, Panfilo Lacson and Grace Poe were assigned as members.

“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,” Pimentel said in a press statement on Thursday.

Reports showed that as of July 1, a total of 389,300 individuals have been displaced in Marawi City.

The Maute terrorist group launched a rebellion starting with an attack on Marawi on May 23, 2017.