Marawi Siege Victims Compensation Act of 2022

Case Overview and Summary

Summary of Republic Act No. 11696 (Marawi Siege Victims Compensation Act of 2022)

Preliminary Provisions
- Declares the policy to provide compensation to IDPs of the 2017 Marawi Siege whose properties were damaged or demolished. (Section 2)
- Defines key terms such as "Residential Property", "Marawi Siege", "Cultural Property and Facilities", "Commercial Property", "Other Properties", "Main Affected Areas (MAA)", and "Other Affected Areas (OAA)". (Section 3)

Entitlement to Monetary Compensation
- Owners of residential, cultural, commercial structures, and other properties in Marawi's MAA or OAA are entitled to receive tax-free compensation from the State. (Section 4)
- Legal heirs or named successors can receive compensation for deceased owners. (Section 4)
- Compensation for properties demolished under the MRRRP shall follow the Right-of-Way Act, with the owner receiving the current market value of the land and replacement cost of structures. (Section 5)

Appropriations
- Initial implementation shall be charged against the current year's National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund for the MRRRP, and subsequent funding shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act. (Section 6)

The Marawi Compensation Board
- An independent and quasi-judicial body called the Marawi Compensation Board (MCB) shall be created with 9 members appointed by the President. (Sections 7-8)
- The MCB shall receive, evaluate, process, investigate, and approve claims, disburse compensation, promulgate rules, and perform other duties to implement the Act. (Section 9)
- The MCB shall have a Secretariat from the DHSUD to assist in its functions. (Section 11)
- The MCB shall ensure proper disbursement of funds and undergo audits by the COA. (Section 12)
- The MCB's operating budget shall not exceed ₱50,000,000.00 per year from the Contingent Fund. (Section 13)

Claimants and Compensation
- Lawful owners of damaged properties in MAA or OAA, and heirs of deceased owners, may file claims with the MCB. (Section 14)
- Compensation shall be the lower of the fair market value or a value per storey area determined in the IRR. (Section 15)
- Claims must be filed within 1 year after the MCB's organization, and failure to file shall be deemed a waiver. (Section 16)
- Aggrieved claimants may appeal the MCB's decision within 15 days. (Section 17)

General Provisions
- Penalties shall apply for filing fraudulent claims or misusing funds, including disqualification from public office and prohibition from being voted upon. (Section 18)
- The MCB shall promulgate the IRR within 60 days after the Act's effectivity, ensuring transparency, opposition procedures, and speedy processing. (Section 19)
- A Joint Congressional Oversight Committee shall monitor the implementation. (Section 20)
- The MCB shall conduct a mandatory review and submit a status report to Congress and COA after 3 years. (Section 21)
- The MCB shall complete its work within 5 years from the IRR's effectivity, after which the DHSUD shall continue processing pending claims. (Section 22)

Final Provisions
- Separability Clause (Section 23)
- Repealing Clause (Section 24)
- Effectivity Clause (Section 25)