Hataman laments omission of Marawi rehab in Duterte's SONA

Deputy Speaker Mujiv Hataman on Tuesday lamented the lack of discussion on the government's plan to rehabilitate Marawi City during President Rodrigo Duterte's fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA).

In a series of tweets, Hataman said Duterte could have also given importance to measures seeking to uplift the lives of Marawi City residents who were affected by the Marawi siege more than three years later.

"Sana binigyan na rin ng taning ang Marawi rehab katulad ng pagbibigay ng taning sa Smart and Globe," he said.

"Sana unahin na muna natin ang Compensation Bill ng Marawi bago ang death penalty," he added.

Hataman was referring to two matters Duterte discussed during his SONA --- the threats against Smart and Globe and his desire for Congress to revive the death penalty

The Marawi Reconstruction Conflict Watch also bewailed the lack of any mention of plans for Marawi rehabilitation in the President's SONA.

"The President elucidated plans for national recovery and resilience that he wants to pursue for all Filipinos. But what about the Maranao who have been waiting for three fruitless years—way before the pandemic and its consequent economic crisis?" the group said in a separate statement.

It added that the President proposed to launch the Balik-Probinsya program, but he did not mention about the Balik-Marawi program.

Although Duterte urged Congress to prioritize the recovery of the economy through financial subsidies, easier loans, and rental reforms, he did not mention the Marawi Compensation Bill, the group also pointed out.

"We are one with all Filipinos in desiring a quicker release from the health and economic crisis we all face. But how can we trust your word or believe your promises when you have not honored your promises to us?" it said.

Duterte placed the entire island of Mindanao under martial law on May 23, 2017, after the ISIS-inspired Maute group attacked and destroyed Marawi City.

Despite the defeat of the terrorist leaders in October 2017, martial law in Mindanao was extended by Congress three times and was only lifted on December 31, 2019. — DVM, GMA News