TF Bangon Marawi employee wages in limbo

Employees of the Task Force Bangon Marawi are still in limbo as they have not yet received their salaries in the last six months since the transition to the new administration.

The plight of the TF Bangon Marami employees was revealed during the Commission of Appointments' deliberation on the ad interim appointment of Jose Rizalino Acuzar as secretary of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development earlier Monday.

In a privilege speech, Senator Risa Hontiveros raised concerns about the unpaid salaries of workers of the Task Force Bangon Marawi, while lamenting those internally displaced families have not yet returned to their homes in the most affected area amid issues on conflicting claims on land titles.

Acuzar responded that the DHSUD has already taken actions to address the issues raised by Hontiveros, adding that he has already talked with Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin regarding the unpaid salaries of the personnel working in the TFBM field office.

He added that the replacements of executive secretaries under the Marcos administration had somehow caused delays in the salaries.

Acuzar said funds of the TFBM field office for its operations were frozen after former President Rodrigo Duterte stepped down from office.

"President Duterte's executive secretary wrote a letter to freeze the funds for Marawi that's why the salaries where hold and the previous administration has given the new administration the rights toto continue the program and the changes of executive secretaries under this administration also caused the delay," Acuzar said.

The TFBM was created on 28 June 2017 under Administrative Order No. 3 signed by Duterte to ensure collaboration and convergence among national agencies and local government units and help displaced families recover.

It is composed of 56 implementing agencies chaired by the DHSUD and is mandated to rehabilitate the war-torn Marawi City.

While the funds of TFBM were put to hold due to circumstances mentioned by Acuzar, the government assured that the 56-implementing agencies continue to deliver what is tasked to them. Only the TFBM's fund is currently frozen.

Acuzar also updated Hontiveros that Bersamin has already signed the request for the release of TFBM trust funds, earmarked for its operating expenses and capital outlay including the salaries of the employees under a contract of service.