(Eagle News) — A House of Representatives lawmaker has proposed the establishment of a rehabilitation fund and program for the “long-term” recovery of Marawi.
“Even as fighting between government forces and rebel-terrorist groups continue to rage in Marawi City, government should already consider drawing up a rehabilitation program and seeking congressional approval for a special rehabilitation fund,” Quezon City Rep. Winston Castelo said.
For this, Castelo urged President Rodrigo Duterte to “form a team to assess the damage so far and determine the initial requirements of rehabilitation, particularly rebuilding houses of residents.”
He said the team may be composed of members from the Office of the President, “all relevant departments,” the Mindanao Development Authority and the local government units of Lanao del Sur and Marawi.
“To address immediate rehabilitation needs for 2017, Malacañang may have to submit to Congress when it resumes session a supplemental bill,” he said.
He said an “initial rehab plan and budget estimates can be made between now and the resumption of Congress session in July.”
“The President can certify the bill urgent so that Congress can pass it in 30 days,” he said.