QuestionsQuestions (Republic Act No. 11696)
Republic Act No. 11696 is officially titled the "Marawi Siege Victims Compensation Act of 2022."
The State declares the policy to value the dignity of every person, guarantee full respect for human rights including rights of indigenous cultural communities and vulnerable groups, and provide compensation or reparation to the internally-displaced persons (IDPs) of the 2017 Marawi Siege whose properties and possessions are lost or destroyed.
"Marawi Siege" refers to the 2017 armed conflict between Philippine Government security forces and terrorist groups that occurred in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur.
Owners of residential, cultural, commercial structures, and other properties located in the main affected areas (MAA) or other affected areas (OAA) of Marawi whose properties were damaged or destroyed during the siege, as well as legal heirs of deceased owners, are entitled to receive compensation.
The compensation under RA 11696 will only be paid to the extent that the loss is not covered by insurance.
Legal heirs as provided by the Code of Muslim Personal Laws or Civil Code, or persons named by the executor or administrator of the estate, are entitled to receive compensation. The compensation shall be considered full satisfaction of the loss unless Congress provides additional compensation.
The Marawi Compensation Board is an independent quasi-judicial body tasked to receive, evaluate, process, investigate claims, resolve disputes, approve claims, disburse compensation, promulgate rules, and oversee the implementation of the compensation program.
The Board is composed of nine members: at least three are Philippine Bar members with at least 5 years of practice (preferably Maranao lawyers), two representatives from civil society organizations (one must be a Sharia lawyer or Muslim traditional leader), plus a licensed physician, a certified public accountant, an educator, and a licensed civil engineer. Members must be of known probity, competence, and integrity with knowledge of compensation under international and Philippine law.
Claimants who file fraudulent claims shall face prosecution, be disqualified from public office and employment, and be prohibited from election participation unless pardoned. Similarly, members or personnel who misuse or embezzle funds shall be prosecuted.
Claims must be filed within one year after the Marawi Compensation Board is duly organized. Failure to file within this period is considered a waiver of the right to claim.
Compensation is based on the lower amount between the fair market value of the property or the value per storey equivalent as determined by implementing rules. For personal properties, competent evidence of loss and fair market value must be presented.
The Board must complete its work within five years from the effectivity of its implementing rules and regulations, after which it becomes functus officio. Pending compensation disbursements thereafter shall be handled by the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD).
Yes, structure owners on land not belonging to them are entitled to compensation for damages sustained, even if there are unresolved disputes over land ownership.
No, receiving compensation does not disqualify persons from participating in the government's socialized housing programs.
The President of the Philippines appoints the Chairperson and the eight members of the Board, with nominations from organizations of traditional leaders, professionals, Ulama, and civil society.