Del Rosario says Marawi rehabilitation transactions ‘above board’ amid complaint filed

TASK FORCE Bangon Marawi (TFBM) Chairperson Eduardo D. Del Rosario on Wednesday said they are ready to defend transactions relating to the rehabilitation of war-torn Marawi City following a complaint filed by a group of displaced residents. In a statement, Mr. Del Rosario, who also heads the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council, said, “I am confident that all dealings and engagements with regard to the development in the most affected area are above board. While we respect freedom of expression that is freely exercised in our country, we welcome the complaints filed against TFBM and NHA (National Housing Authority) and we shall respond accordingly in the proper forum.” The complaint was filed by Datu Meno Manabilang, who claims to be the leader of a group of internally displaced persons in Marawi. Mr. Manabilang wants an investigation by the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission and the Office of the Ombudsman over alleged anomalies in the awarding of a contract for the Demolition and Debris Management Project in parts of the most devastated areas. Mr. Del Rosario, on the other hand, said, “TFBM and all its fifty-six (56) member agencies do faithfully follow and strictly adhere to government accounting and financial rules as we continue to discharge our functions in the fulfilment of the instructions of the President to ensure that Marawi will rise as a prosperous city again.”