The Senate of the Philippines on Wednesday has supported a resolution forming a special committee that will center on the restoration of Marawi City.
Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III filed the proposed Senate Resolution No. 457 that suggested the establishment of the Senate Special Committee on Marawi which will be assigned to study, review, assess, examine, investigate, and inquire into matters relating to the rebuilding of besieged Marawi City.
“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,” Pimentel said in a statement.
“This is the Senate’s contribution to President Duterte’s call for full support, assistance, and cooperation for Task Force Bangon Marawi,” the senator added.
Under the resolution, the members will also investigate the extent of damage to the properties, infrastructure, and facilities, such as roads, bridges, schools, hospitals, buildings, and other structures in Marawi City. After settling the plan, the committee will also estimate how much funding will be needed for the reconstruction and rehabilitation.
“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,” Pimentel said.
Senator Gringo Honasan II will chair the committee along with Senators Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito, Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV, Grace Poe, and Panfilo “Ping” Lacson as members.
On May 23, The Maute terrorist group started a rebellion by attacking Marawi City. As of July 1, reports revealed that around 389,300 individuals have been displaced in the said city.