Some Maranaos oppose Del Rosario's appointment as Housing chief for 'delays' in Marawi rehab

Some Maranaos on Wednesday opposed the confirmation of Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) chairperson Eduardo Del Rosario's appointment as Secretary of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development.

During the deliberations of the Commission on Appointments (CA), oppositor Bai Padoman Paporo cited the alleged slow rehabilitation of the war-torn city and the delayed return of displaced residents.

"Para sa amin po, our return to Marawi City or the Most Affected Area (MAA) is also equally very big government project. It must not be delayed in any form or in any nature. Actual rehabilitation has just commenced sa MAA last June 2020, tatlo lang po ang nag-ground breaking," Paporo said.

"All the rest wala pa po, 'yung mga pinagsasabi ng ating nominee, eh doon po 'yun sa less affected area that is outside MAA. So 'yung trustworthiness in him na there is that gross negligence on his part," she added.

She also brought up the alleged inadequate water supply, sanitation, and hygiene facilities in transitory housing units.

Paporo mentioned that a P1.9 billion housing subsidy under the 2020 budget lodged in the National Housing Authority instead of the Department of Public Works and Highways were among the factors causing delays.

Paporo added that there would be "conflict of interest" if Del Rosario is confirmed as DHSUD chief.

"He cannot function impartially by reason of deriving personal benefits in TFBM which can be made in his official capacity as DHSUD Secretary, else his power corrupts absolutely," read Paporo and other oppositors' manifesto.

Del Rosario's side

Del Rosario, for his part, denied that there would be conflict of interest if he sits as DHSUD chief and TFBM chairperson at the same time.

"TFBM is just an ad hoc organization, it's not another department that will pose a conflict of interest. Being in the housing department actually supports and puts me premium in the actual rehabilitation of Marawi City, moreso in the temporary and permanent shelter construction," he said.

Del Rosario also denied promising that the displaced residents could return to the MAA in June and July 2018.

"That is not accurate. I said first quarter of 2021. That was my announcement from the very beginning based on our master development plan," he said.

"Starting July 2019, we allowed IDPs already to enter for the reconstruction of their respective residences," he added.

Further, the TFBM chairperson said there are 10 ongoing projects in the Most Affected Area of Marawi City, contrary to the claim of oppositors that there  are only three.

As regards the P1.9 billion housing subsidy being handled by the NHA, Del Rosario also explained that DPWH has no mandate to construct housing units.

During the same CA hearing, Del Rosario assured that the Marawi rehabilitation is on track with its timeline. He vowed at least 90 percent completion of the projects by December 2021.

The ISIS-inspired Maute group attacked the Islamic city on May 2017 and the firefight between them and the state forces ended in October of the same year, displacing thousands of Maranao families.

Del Rosario was also asked to clarify if he has been cleared by the Commission on Audit regarding the P5 million disallowed funds that had been used to finance the Mecca pilgrimage of 25 displaced residents of Marawi City back in 2018.

He said he already made an appeal to COA in September 2019 regarding its findings but it has yet to give any feedback.

No more fourth bypass

Senator Panfilo Lacson warned Del Rosario that the deliberation of his appointment is at a very crucial stage since it has been bypassed thrice already.

"You have been bypassed three times already, not your fault ha, March 12, March 23, June 5, all in this year 2020 and under Section 25 of the new rules of CA, a nomination or appointment which has been bypassed three times shall be reported out," Lacson said.

"So this confirmation hearing under this committee is very crucial because whether we like it or not there will be no more bypass, there is no fourth bypass. The committee has to report to the commission proper and we will have to vote to confirm or deny your appointment," he added.

Due to limited time and the number of CA members who still want to interpellate Del Rosario, the deliberation has been suspended by the body. It is set to resume next week.—AOL, GMA News