P50 billion needed for Marawi rehab, says Lorenzana

At least P50 billion is needed to fund the rehabilitation of Marawi City, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said Tuesday.

“Ballpark figure ko lang 'yung P50 billion. It will cover everything...structure of buildings, either public or prviate,” Lorenzana said during the first hearing conducted by the Senate Special Committee on Marawi City Rehabilitation.

“Everything na, infrastructure, roads, bridges, public buildings, plus mga private properties na, if we are going to rebuild private properties,” he added.

Much of the Lanao del Sur capital has been damaged or destroyed in the clashes between government troops and the Maute terrorist group. The ongoing conflict, which began on May 23, is now in its 106th day.

Lorenzana said the rehabilitation work in Marawi City will take at least three years, depending on the availability of funds.

“Kung magtuloy-tuloy...at kung may pera tayo at resources. Kung matigil tayo, eh ‘di matatagalan,” he said.

According to the Defense Secretary, who also sits as chairman of Task Force Bangon Marawi, one options they are considering is to “level everything.”

“Mas mura kung magagawa tayo ng bago kaysa mag-repair tayo. We will see...Pagtapos ng putukan, we can get in and get a more accurate assessment of the damage,” Lorenzana said.

Senator Miguel Zubiri, however pointed out the possible “legal implications” of awarding land titles for the houses intended for residents displaced by the fighting. “Baka ayaw ng may-ari,” he said.

Senator Panfilo Lacson, former Yolanda rehabilitation czar, proposed the issuance of a presidential proclamation that would allow such a move.

According to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), some 78,466 families have been displaced from Marawi.

The department also told the Senate committee that P3.3 billion is needed to provide food, supplies, and livelihood for the Marawi evacuees for the next two months. — BM, GMA News