Senator Padilla Calls for Utilization of Unprogrammed Funds for Marawi Siege Victims

Manila – Senator Robin Padilla has urged the Philippine government to tap into PHP6 billion in unprogrammed funds to provide compensation for the victims of the 2017 Marawi siege. This suggestion was made during his interpellation of the Marawi Compensation Board (MCB) budget on Tuesday night.

According to Philippines News Agency, Padilla emphasized the importance of compensating the victims to mitigate the threat of terrorism, particularly among the youth who are vulnerable to terrorist influence due to poverty. He expressed concerns that the MCB’s PHP1 billion budget may be insufficient, potentially being exhausted within three to four months. Furthermore, Padilla highlighted the need to provide livelihood means to the siege victims and supported exploring non-monetary programs by the MCB in coordination with the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao’s Ministry of Social Welfare and Development. Senator Risa Hontiveros, the sponsor of the MCB budget, responded that the Board is planning financial literacy skills training for compensation recipients and seeking additional resources to fulfill its mandate. Hontiveros also noted that the Board is ensuring compensation for non-Muslim victims, with nearly 90 percent of death claims relating to non-Muslim laborers. A commemorative program is being organized to award the first batch of monetary compensations, coinciding with the anniversary of Marawi’s liberation.