Pimentel Removes Amount Limit of Senators' Financial Aid for Marawi Victims, Trillanes Disagrees

Senate President Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III this Saturday, June 24 issued a special order removing the limit of amount senators can donate to the victims of the ongoing conflict in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur. But despite his kind gesture, Senator Antonio Trillanes IV disagreed with him, and explained the possible scenario that might happen.



"The war against terrorism is not just won with bullets and bombs. It is won by the unity of the people, and through this measure, I hope to show our displaced brothers and sisters that they are not forgotten." Sen. Pimentel said, referring to the over 200,000 residents of Marawi who have been displaced since May 23 when the Maute groups made the attack.

According to Section III, Item 17.1 of Memorandum Circular 2016-002, the Senate President may grant exemption to the 5-percent limit for each of the senator's Welfare Assistance expenses from their office' budget. With Pimentel's order, senators can now donate money as much as they want to help the Marawi victims, or sky is the limit.

"Let's join our Muslim brethren in celebrating Eid al-Fitr with prayers for peace and giving them help in their hour of need," the Senate President added. Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of the traditional fasting month of Ramadan, will be on Monday, June 26. This occasion is being celebrated with feasts by Muslims worldwide, and therefore needs more food.

However, Sen. Trillanes is worried that some of his colleagues might take advantage of this move by Pimentel. He agreed that this act is good, but only if the money will not be pocketed by corrupt politicians. The soldier-turned politician is also bothered that some senators who intend to run for reelection in 2019 might use this chance for early campaign.



"Hindi ako sang-ayon dyan, kahit mas marami ang pwdeng maitulong natin. Ang problema kasi, baka pagmulan yan ng corruption. Isa pa, alam naman nating lahat na pwede ding gamitin yan para sa maagang kampanya sa susunod na eleksyon." Sen. Trillianes told reporters in an ambush interview. His second consecutive term will end on 2019.

Contributed by Abner Esteno