11th-hour debt deal saves US from default

US senators voted to suspend the federal debt limit Thursday (Friday, Manila time), capping weeks of fraught negotiations to eliminate the threat of a disastrous credit default just four days ahead of the deadline set by the Treasury.

Economists had warned the country could run out of money to pay its bills by Monday— leaving almost no room for delays in enacting the Fiscal Responsibility Act, which extends the government’s borrowing authority through 2024 while trimming federal spending.

Hammered out between Democratic President Joe Biden and the Republicans, the measure passed the Senate with a comfortable majority of 63 votes to 36 a day after it had sailed through the House of Representatives.

“No one gets everything they want in a negotiation, but make no mistake: this bipartisan agreement is a big win for our economy and the American people,” Biden said in a statement posted to social media.

He said he would sign the bill “as soon as possible” and address the nation Friday.

Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer added that the nation could “breathe a sigh of relief” after avoiding a “catastrophic” economic collapse.

“But, for all the ups and downs and twists and turns it took to get here, it is so good for this country that both parties have come together at last to avoid default,” he said.

The bil—which now heads to Biden’s desk to be signed into law—ended a day of intense back-and-forth between party leaders and rank-and-file members who had threatened the bill’s quick passage with last-minute gripes about the details.

Democratic leaders had spent months underlining the havoc that a first default in history would have wrought, including the loss of millions of jobs and $15 trillion in household wealth, as well as increased costs for mortgages and other borrowing.

The late evening drama came after a series of failed ballots on amendments sought mainly by Republicans who were threatening at one point to hold up the process, dragging it deep into the weekend.

Senators elected to offer 11 tweaks to the 99-page text, many objecting to funding levels for their pet projects—from border control and Chinese trade to taxation and the environment—and each requiring a vote. AFP the Honorable Commission, but LEYECO V adopted and utilized the proposed DSM rates in the said application as the bases for computing the proposed rate adjustment in the instant Application;

Leyte as the designated venue for the conduct thereof, and ensure that the same is open to the public and the community quarantine guidelines are observed at all times. LEYECO V shall also guarantee that, during the conduct of the expository presentation, the participation of the public shall not be impaired.

9. Under the TGP Rules, the concerned electric cooperative shall use the following formula in determining the TGP for the fourth to sixth years of the Regulatory Period, to wit: TGP = TGP + TGP TGP Where TGP = I - X + S n = the fourth year of the Regulatory Period and succeeding Regulatory Periods

The TGP calculated for each of the three years will be summed to determine the possible rate adjustment starting on

Any interested stakeholder may submit its comments and/or clarifications at least one (1) calendar day prior to the scheduled initial virtual hearing, via electronic mail (e-mail) at docket@erc.ph and copy furnish the Legal Service through legal@erc. ph. The Commission shall give priority to the stakeholders who have duly submitted their respective comments and/or clarifications, to discuss the same and propound questions during the course of the expository presentation.

Moreover, any person who has an interest in the subject matter of the instant case may become a party by filing with the Commission via e-mail at docket@erc. ph, and copy furnishing the Legal Service through legal@erc.ph, a verified Petition to Intervene at least five (5) calendar days prior to the date of the initial virtual hearing. The verified Petition to Intervene must follow the requirements under Rule 9 of the ERC Revised Rules of Practice and Procedure, indicate therein the docket number and title of the case and stating the following:

1) The petitioner’s name, mailing address, and e-mail address;

2) The nature of petitioner’s interest in the subject matter of the proceeding and the way and manner in which such interest is affected by the issues involved in the proceeding; and

3) A statement of the relief desired.

Likewise, all other persons who may want their views known to the Commission with respect to the subject matter of the case may file through e-mail at docket@ erc.ph, and copy furnish the Legal Service through legal@erc.ph, their Opposition or Comment at least five (5) calendar days prior to the initial virtual hearing. Rule 9 of the ERC Revised Rules of Practice and Procedure shall govern. No particular form of Opposition or Comment is required, but the document, letter, or writing should contain the following:

1) The name, mailing address, and e-mail address of such person;

2) A concise statement of the Opposition or Comment; and

3) The grounds relied upon.

All interested parties filing their Petition to Intervene, Opposition or Comment are required to submit the hard copies thereof

AFP

IN BRIEF HK artists mark Tiananmen quietly Vietnam detains climate activist

VIETNAMESE authorities have detained a prominent climate activist for alleged tax evasion, her husband said Friday, adding to a list of environmentalists facing the accusation.

Hoang Thi Minh Hong, the founder of now-defunct NGO CHANGE, which aimed to tackle some of the country’s most urgent environmental issues, was taken into custody in Ho Chi Minh City on Wednesday.

AVANT garde street performance, politically charged theatre, pro-democracy music and poetry— powerful works of art dealing with China’s bloody Tiananmen Square crackdown that were once commonplace in Hong Kong have all but disappeared in recent years.

For decades, tens of thousands of people gathered annually in Hong Kong’s Victoria Park for a candlelight vigil marking June 4, 1989, when Chinese troops moved into Beijing’s Tiananmen Square to quell peaceful protests calling for reforms.

Commission will send the access link/s to the aforementioned hearing platform within five (5) working days prior to the scheduled hearings.

“I can confirm Hong has been under temporary detention since May 31 with the accusation of tax evasion,” Hoang Vinh Nam told AFP.

Hong founded CHANGE in 2013, focusing on mobilizing Vietnamese, particularly young people, to take action against pressing environmental issues including climate change, the illegal wildlife trade, and pollution.

She announced last year that CHANGE would close after Vietnam’s authoritarian government handed down prison terms for tax evasion to four environmental human rights defenders, Nguy Thi Khanh, Mai Phan Loi, Bach Hung Duong, and Dang Dinh Bach. AFP

Hundreds, by some estimates more than 1,000, were killed in the crackdown.

Any mention of the day—let alone commemoration—has long been forbidden in mainland China, but the massive turnout every year in Victoria Park stood as an enduring symbol of the special freedoms Hong Kong enjoyed, even after its return to Chinese rule.

But since Beijing imposed a national security law on the city in 2020 to quash dissent, authorities have suppressed public events mourning the Tiananmen crackdown, and artistic output commemorating the pivotal day has shriveled. AFP

THE MARAWI COMPENSATION BOARD RULES OF PROCEDURE

Pursuant to the provisions of Republic Act 11696, otherwise known as the Marawi Siege Victim s Compensation Act of 2022 , the following Rules of Procedure governing proceedings before the Marawi Compensation Board (MCB) are hereby adopted and promulgated: RULE I TITLE AND CONSTRUCTION

SECTION 1. TITLE OF THE RULES. - These Rules shall be known as the “Marawi Compensation Board Rules of Procedure.”

SECTION 2. CONSTRUCTION. - These Rules shall be liberally construed to carry out the objectives of the Constitution, the Marawi Siege Victims Compensation Act of 2022 and other relevant state policies to assist the victims in obtaining just and expeditious compensation on their right to remedy and reparation for victims of gross human rights violations.

SECTION 3. SCOPE. - These Rules shall govern the procedures in filing, processing, investigation, evaluation, and approval of claims before the Board for the monetary compensation brought about by the 2017 Marawi Siege.

SECTION 4. SUPPLETORY APPLICATION OF THE RULES OF COURT. - In the absence of any applicable provision in these Rules, and in order to effectuate the objectives of Republic Act 11 696, pertinent provisions of Rules of Court may, in the interest of expeditious, inexpensive, and speedy compensation of the Marawi Siege victims whenever practicable and convenient, be applied by analogy or in a suppletory character and effect.

SECTION 5. OBJECTIVES a) To provide monetary compensation to lawful owners of totally destroyed or partially damaged residential, cultural, commercial structures, personal properties and other properties in Most Affected Areas (MAA) or Other Affected Areas (OAA) on the occasion of the 2017 Marawi Siege and the heirs of those who died and legally presumed dead; and b) To provide simplified, speedy and expeditious procedure for disposition of monetary compensation.

RULE II DEFINITION OF TERMS

SECTION 1. DEFINITIONS. - The terms and phrases defined in Republic Act 11696 and the Implementing Rules and Regulations (lRR) of the Act shall be given the same meanings when used herein. In addition to those defined in the IRR, the following terms as used in these Rules are defined as follows: a) Court of Competent Jurisdiction refers to court who has the legal ability to exert the power to hear and determine a suit. b) Exclusive Jurisdiction refers to a Board that has the power to determine a claim to the exclusion of all others. c) Legal Unit refers to a unit under the general administrative supervision of the Secretariat tasked to examine all claims in order to determine its compliance with the documentary requirements as defined in the Act, the IRR and these Rules. d) Ocular Inspection refers to the act of visiting the structure subject of the claim as a mean to ascertain the replacement cost or repair cost of the structure. e) Prescriptive Period refers to the period of filing claims which is one (1) year from the date of commencement to the date of termination. f) Reglementary Period refers to the period within which the claims or opposition may be filed. g) Verified Claims Application refers to a Claims Application that contains the signature of the claimant attesting that: (1) the factual allegations in the application are true and correct based on his/her personal knowledge or based on authentic documents, (2) that the application is not filed to cause unnecessary delay or needlessly increase the docket of the Board, and (3) that the factual allegations therein have evidentiary support. h) Verified Statement of Opposition refers to the written opposition that contains the signature of the Oppositor attesting that: (I) the factual allegations in the Opposition are true and correct based on his/her personal knowledge or based on authentic documents, (2) that the Opposition is not filed to cause unnecessary delay or needlessly increase the docket of the Board, and (3) that the factual allegations therein have evidentiary support. i) Technical Unit refers to a unit under the administrative supervision of the Secretariat tasked to conduct ocular inspection in order to determine the reasonable valuation of the structures based on replacement cost or repair cost as defined in the Act, the IRR and these Rules. RULE III. CLAIMS AND OPPOSITION

SECTION 1. VERIFIED CLAIMS APPLICATION FORM. - The right to reparation in the form of monetary compensation under RA 11696 shall be initiated by a claimant upon filing of: a) Verified Claims Application Form in duplicate accompanied by a Certification Against Splitting Cause of Action and Multiplicity of Suits containing the list of all claims, shall be filed directly with the Board Secretariat pursuant to Section 30 of the IRR. The filing thereof shall interrupt the one (1) year prescriptive period; and b) Duly certified copies of all documentary requirements under Section 31 of the IRR, as well as the affidavits of witnesses, and other evidence, if any. No evidence shall be allowed which was not attached to or submitted together with the Claims Application Form, unless good cause is shown for the admission of additional evidence.

No formal pleading, other than the Claims Application Form described in this Rule, by claimants. Provided, that failure to file an application within the said period shall be deemed a waiver of the right to file the same. Provided further, that the Board shall publish in two (2) newspapers of general circulation the period of commencement and termination of applications by claimant.

SECTION 11. DISPOSITION OF CLAIMS. - The Claims Application Form submitted under this Rule shall state only facts of direct personal knowledge of the claimant based on authentic records, which are admissible in evidence in accordance with the Rules of Court. The inadmissible portion(s) of the Claims Application Form shall be expunged from the records. The non-submission of the required documents will cause the immediate dismissal of the claim without prejudice to the re-filing of the same with the required documents.

SECTION 12. NO FEES. - No fees shall be charged for the filing of claims application, opposition, or appeal. Costs for photocopying, scanning or other similar costs incurred in the filing of the application, opposition, or appeal shall be borne by the applicant, oppositor, or appellant.

SECTION 13. SUBSTANTIAL EVIDENCE. - Substantial evidence is required to prove the eligibility of any claim under the Act. Evidence submitted by the applicants shall be validated and verified through appropriate government records, database, and other relevant material sources prior to the resolution the claim.

SECTION 14. NATURE OF PROCEEDINGS. - Proceedings before the Board, either En Banc or in Division, shall be summary in nature and shall be guided by the Revised Rules on Summary Procedure. It shall adopt the rules on prohibited pleadings and motions as may be applicable. The only pleadings to be filed are the claims application together with the necessary attachments, opposition to the eligibility of the claim, and appeal.

However, should the Board, either En Banc or in Division, find it necessary to clarify certain material facts, it may issue an order requiring the presence of the claimant, witness/witnesses, and/or the oppositor.

SECTION 15. SUBPOENA TO THE PARTIES. - At the discretion of the Board, either sitting En Banc or in Division, and pursuant to the immediately preceding Section, it may issue a Subpoena Duces Tecum and/or Ad Testificandum as may be necessary and require the presence of the claimants, witness/witnesses, and/or the oppositor.

SECTION 16. APPEARANCE. - The parties shall personally appear on the designated date of hearing, if there be any. Appearance through a representative must be for a valid cause. If the Board, either sitting En Banc or in Division, determines that a party cannot properly present his/her claim and needs assistance, the Board may, in its discretion, allow another individual who is a nonlawyer to assist that party upon the Iatter’s consent.

SECTION 17. APPEARANCE OF LAWYER NOT ALLOWED. - No lawyer shall appear in behalf of or represent a party, including juridical entities, unless the lawyer is the claimant or oppositor himself. RULE IV PROCEEDINCS BEFORE THE SECRETARIAT

SECTION 1. FUNCTION OF THE SECRETARIAT. - The Secretariat shall maintain complete independence and exercise professional care and be guided by applicable laws in the performance of its function as well as the judicious assessment of claims in order to set forth proper recommendation to the Board in Division.

SECTION 2. PROCESSING OF CLAIMS. - The Secretariat, through its legal and technical unit, shall ensure the substantive compliance of the claims application, subject to review by the Board, in accordance with Rule V of the IRR. Each claims application shall undergo two aspects of evaluation- the technical aspect and the legal aspect. The technical aspect refers to the determination by the technical team of the reasonable valuation based on the ocular inspection and replacement cost or repair cost of the structures, and fair market value of the other properties and/or personal properties. The legal aspect pertains to the examination of the application form and its attachments to determine whether the applicant has submitted them in its proper form and in compliance with the submission of documentary requirements as provided for under Section 31 of the lRR.

SECTION 3. ELIGIBILITY OF CLAIMANTS. - The determination of claimant’s eligibility shall be based on Section 29 of the IRR.

SECTION 4. OCULAR INSPECTION. - The technical unit may conduct an ocular inspection of each structures declared in the Claims Application Form in order to validate the same. The estimated value shall be contained in the technical report based on objective technical analysis performed and shall not exceed the valuation declared under Section 41 (b) and (c) of the lRR.

SECTION 5. DETERMINATION OF REPLACEMENT COST OR REPAIR COST OF STRUCTURES. - The valuation of the replacement cost or repair cost of the structures shall be based on the total area per storey in accordance with Section 41 (b) and (c) of the lRR.

SECTION 6. VALUATION OF OTHER PROPERTIES. - Other properties shall be valued based on their respective fair market values at the time of loss as defined in the lRR.

In the case of totally damaged structure and in the absence of Fair Market Value of the house contents, the Board may on the recommendation of the Board Secretary use the Optional Standard Valuation provided for in Annex “A” of the lRR.

SECTION 7. RESPONSIBILITY TO ENSURE COMPLETENESS AND SUBSTANTIAL EVIDENCE. - The Secretariat’s recommendation to the Board shall be based on complete Claims Application and sufficient evidence.

SECTION 8. RESPONSIBILITY TO SAFEGUARD EVIDENCE. - The Secretariat shall likewise be responsible for safeguarding the evidence needed to support reasonable findings which may include: (I) physical evidence such as those obtained through ocular inspection; (2) documentary evidence consisting of the list of documents enumerated under Section 31 of the IRR; (3) testimonial evidence such as affidavits from witnesses;

(4) analytical evidence such as replacement or repair cost report of engineers, data derived from sources mentioned under Section 48 of the IRR; and (5) electronic evidence such as email, multimedia sources and other digital information.

The Secretariat, through its technical unit, shall download all filed claims applications together with its attachments in a centralized data system. The technical unit shall formulate a secured data storage management accessible by the Board and its authorized personnel.

SECTION 9. ENGAGEMENT OF GOVERNMENT FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS (GFI). -

Upon recommendation to the Board, the Secretariat may engage the services of a GFI. Provided that, the Board shall enter into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the GFl in accordance with, but not limited to, the following conditions: a) The GFI is capable and has adequate experience to undertake the property appraisal services required by the Board; b) The GFI must undertake the appraisal by administration using it’s own in-house manpower and resources; and c) The Board shall pay the GFI an appropriate fee for its appraisal services in accordance with the terms of the MOA.

SECTION 10. EVALUATION OF DOCUMENTS. - Upon completion of submissions by the applicant or the oppositor, the Secretariat shall prepare within thirty (30) calendar days the Secretariat Evaluation Report of the claim based on the investigation conducted and evidence gathered.

SECTION 11. SECRETARIAT EVALUATION REPORT. - The Secretariat Evaluation Report (SER) shall contain the following: a) Factual narration of the claim; b) Description of the covered property(ies), identity(ies) of the deceased or legally presumed dead; c) The valuation and extent of damage, destruction, or loss of the property or the fact of death of the deceased or legally presumed dead; d) The factual basis relied upon in its evaluation; e) Other material facts and law on which the evaluation is based; and

The Chairperson shall be presiding. In her absence, the most senior member shall preside over the sessions of the Board En Banc. Seniority shall be determined by the number of years in the profession. The attendance of five (5) members of the Board shall constitute a quorum for its sessions En Banc. The affirmative vote of the majority of the members of the Board present shall be necessary for the rendition of a decision or resolution on any claim or matter submitted for its consideration.

Where the necessary majority vote cannot be had, the claim shall be denied. Within fifteen (15) calendar days from receipt of decision, an appeal maybe filed by the aggrieved party.

SECTION 4. ADJUDICATION OF THE BOARD IN DIVISION. - The Board shall be composed of three (3) Divisions. Each Division shall exercise its adjudicative powers, functions, and duties and shall perform simultaneously and independently of each other in the resolution of claims.

Each division shall be composed of one (1) Presiding Member, who shall be a member of the Philippine Bar, and two (2) Members of the Board. The Chairperson shall be the Presiding Officer of the First Division.

The other Presiding Officers and Members of each Division shall be appointed by the Chairperson of the Board subject to the confirmation of the Board En Banc

The attendance of at least two (2) Members of the Board shall be necessary to constitute a quorum for its sessions in Divisions. The presence at the deliberation and the affirmative vote of at least two (2) members shall be required for the pronouncement of a resolution of the Board in Divisions. In the absence of the Presiding Officer, the most senior member shall preside over the sessions of the Board Divisions. Seniority shall be determined by the number of years in the profession.

SECTION 5. RAFFLING OF CASES. - All claims filed shall be assigned or distributed to any of the three (3) Divisions by electronic raffle. No claim may be assigned to the Board in Division without being raffled. The raffle of cases should be regularly conducted at the hour and on the day or days to be fixed by the Board En Banc

Only the maximum number of claims, according to their dates of filing, as can be equally distributed to all the Division shall be included in the raffle. Claims more than the numbers sufficient for equal distribution shall be included in the next scheduled raffle.

SECTION 6. MANNER OF RAFFLING. - The raffling must be conducted at the principal office of the MCB with the personal attendance of the members of the Board constituting quorum, or in case of the latter’s inability, of their duly authorized representatives. The raffl e proceedings shall be stenographically recorded, and minutes thereof shall be prepared and signed by the Board members present and the Board Secretariat. Immediately after the raffle on any day the Secretariat shall indicate the particular Division to which the claim is assigned, the same to be written in words and in figures on the cover of the Rollo and on the first page of the Verified Claims Application Form and initialled by the Chairperson of the Board and the other members who attended the said raffle.

For purposes of facilitating implementation of the foregoing rules, a Raffle Committee composed of the Board Secretary and Division Clerks of Court is hereby constituted.

SECTION 7. RE-ASSIGNMENT OF CLAIMS OF DISQUALIFIED BOARD MEMBER In any case where the Board Member concerned in Division is disqualified or voluntarily inhibits himself, the records shall be returned to the Secretariat and the case shall be included in the raffle for reassignment. Another case shall be assigned by raffle to the disqualified or inhibiting Board Member to replace the case so removed from the Division where he is a member of.

Provided, that any Member of the Board may be disqualified for the following grounds: a) Mandatory Disqualification - Any member of the Board who is related within the fourth (4th) civil degree of consanguinity or affinity to any of the claimant or party to a cause pending before his/her Division shall inhibit himself/herself from participating in the resolution of the case. b) Voluntary Disqualification - Any member may voluntarily inhibit himself/herself from the consideration and resolution of any case or matter before the Division and shall so state in writing the legal or justifiable grounds therefor. In the event that a member inhibits himself/herself, he/she shall be replaced by other member of the Board by the Chairperson.

SECTION 8. DISSENTING OPINION. - Should any member of a Division indicate his her intention to write a dissenting opinion, he/she may file the same within the period prescribed for deciding or resolving a claim or petition.

SECTION 9. ABSTENTION. - In the event of an abstention, and the concurrence of two

(2) Board Members to arrive at a resolution cannot be obtained, Section 7 of Rule VI of these Rules shall apply.

SECTION 10. ADJUDICATION OF THE BOARD EN BANC. - All resolutions rendered by the Divisions shall be elevated to the Board En Banc for final disposition. The award of monetary compensation shall be posted for thirty (30) calendar days by the Board Secretary in three (3) conspicuous public places. For purposes of data privacy and safety of the eligible claimant the amount of the award shall not be published. Any concerned party may file a verified written opposition in accordance with Section 5 and 6 of Rule III of these Rules.

SECTION 11. SUBMISSION OF THE CLAIM FOR DECISION. - Upon the recommendation of a favorable resolution over the claim by the Division to the Board En Banc, the claim is deemed submitted for decision within fifteen (15) calendar days. A claim is deemed submitted for decision after the filing of the last document or conduct of the last proceeding, whichever is applicable. In the case of the Division, a claim is deemed submitted for the resolution within fifteen (15) calendar days after the filing of the last document or conduct of the last proceeding, whichever is applicable.

SECTION 12. FORM OF DECISION, RESOLUTION AND ORDER. - The decision, resolution and order of the Board shall state clearly and distinctly the findings of the facts and issues, and the monetary award granted, if any. If the decision resolution or order involves monetary awards, the same shall contain the specific amount awarded as of the date the decision is rendered.

SECTION 13. DEATH OF CLAIMANTS. - In case any of the claimants dies during the pendency of the proceedings, he/she may be substituted by his/her heirs. In the event a favorable decision is rendered, the award shall be delivered to the heirs.

SECTION 14. SERVICE OF NOTICES, ORDERS, RESOLUTIONS, OR DECISIONS

- All notices, orders, resolutions, or decisions shall be served to all parties as far as practicable by personal service, registered mail, or accredited courier.

SECTION 15. EFFECTIVITY OF THE AWARD. - Within thirty (30) calendar days after the Board En Banc has approved with finality each eligible claim pending before it and after due publication of such legitimate claim, the award of monetary compensation shall take effect.

The Board Secretariat shall publish the list of approved claims within ten (10) calendar days after the Board has rendered its decision on approved claims.

SECTION 16. APPEAL. - Any aggrieved claimant or oppositor may file an appeal with the Board En Banc within fifteen (15) calendar days from receipt of the decision on the following grounds: a) That the Resolution is not supported by law or is contrary to the evidence presented; or b) That the claimant or opposing party has been deprived, through no fault attributable to him/her, of the opportunity to present his/her evidence in support of his/her claim or opposition during the proceedings. Otherwise, if there is no appeal filed, the Board En Banc’s Decision shall become final and executory. Any pending appeal filed by an aggrieved claimant or oppositor before the Board En Banc must be resolved not later than sixty (60) calendar days before it becomes functus officio evidence in the form of affidavits; ii. The purpose shall be stated corresponding to the evidence listed; and iii. All evidence shall be attached to the application except object evidence which may be stated in the list subject to ocular inspection.

SECTION 3. MODE OF FILING. - a) Personal filing i. Claimants may personally file their Verified Application Form during the scheduled intake at the designated place for filing as announced by the Board; or ii. Claimants may also personally file their Verified Application Form by securing an appointment in the designated satellite or field office. b) Electronic filing. - Upon satisfaction of the Board Secretariat that the claimant cannot file his/her application personally due to incapacity or for other compelling reasons, his/her application may be filed electronically through the designated online platform, subject to the submission of the original documents to the Board Secretariat.

SECTION 4. JOINDER OF CLAIM . - Claimant with multiple claims shall include all his/ her claims in one Claims Application Form. Failure to include a claim in the Application shall be considered a waiver thereof.

SECTION 5. VERIFIED STATEMENT OF OPPOSITION. - An Oppositor to the claim shall file his/her Verified Opposition anytime from the time of filing of the claim and before the finality of the award for monetary compensation, together with all its attachments and affidavits in accordance with the immediately succeeding section.

SECTION 6. OPPOSITION. - Any concerned party may file a written opposition from the time of filing and before the finality of the award for monetary compensation on the following grounds: a) The claim is fraudulent, fictitious or spurious; b) The claimant is not eligible under Section 29 of the IRR; c) The claim is not one of those enumerated under Section 29 of the lRR; or d) Any other justifiable ground as the Board may deem proper.

The Board En Banc shall resolve the opposition within fifteen (15) calendar days from the time the opposition is deemed submitted for resolution.

SECTION 7. RECEIPT OF APPLICATION OR OPPOSITION. - When the application or opposition is sufficient in form, the Secretariat shall docket and provide its digital copy. If it is not sufficient in form, the Secretariat shall receive the same to tentatively docket the claim and require the applicant or oppositor to comply with the required form within fifteen (15) calendar days. The tentative docket shall also interrupt the one (1) year prescriptive period.

SECTION 8. FAILURE TO FILE OPPOSITION. - Should the Oppositor fail to file his/ her Opposition within the reglementary period provided for in the immediately preceding Section, the Board En Banc shall render its decision as may be warranted by the facts alleged in the Claims Application Form, which shall permanently bar any Opposition thereto for being filed out of time. SECTION f) Recommendation of the Secretariat which shall contain the following: i. If the application or opposition is approved in full or in part, the name of the person entitled to the claim; and ii. If the application or opposition is denied, the grounds upon which the denial is based.

SECTION 12. DISMISSAL OF THE CLAIM. - Any application or opposition shall be dismissed on the following grounds: a) The claim is fraudulent; b) The claimant is not eligible pursuant to section 29 of the IRR; or c) The property or the deceased is not compensable under RA 11696. In case of in sufficiency of evidence, the Secretariat shall notify the claimant to submit additional evidence within thirty (30) calendar days from the receipt of the notice. Failure of the claimant to comply shall cause the dismissal of his/her claim. Provided that, for claimant with multiple claims, the dismissal of one claim shall not be a ground for dismissal of other claims. RULE V DISPUTE RESOLUTION UNIT

SECTION 1. REFERRAL TO THE DISPUTE RESOLUTION UNIT (DRU). - If there are two or more conflicting claimants over the same claim, the dispute shall be referred to the DRU.

SECTION 2. DUTY OF THE DlSPUTE RESOLUTION UNIT (DRU). - The DRU has the duty to resolve disputes regarding pending claims. The Unit must first exert efforts to bring the parties to an amicable settlement of their dispute. If efforts of settlement fail, the proceeding shall immediately begin in an informal and expeditious manner.

SECTION 3. RESOLUTION OF DISPUTE. - Any disputes on claims shall be resolved by a majority vote of the members of DRU within fifteen (15) calendar days from the time it is deemed submitted for resolution. A dispute is deemed submitted for resolution after the filing of the last document or conduct of the last proceeding, whichever is applicable.

Provided, that the Resolution of the Unit involving disputes within their jurisdiction shall have the force and effect of recommendation of the Secretariat.

SECTION 4. TARITIB AGO IGMA AND ASSOCIATIONS. - (a) The Dispute Resolution Unit may use a mode of conflict resolution which is based on the Maranao indigenous law called “ taritib ago igma” to convince the claimants to arrive at a settlement. To this end, the Board may invite a “sukodan” (go between) who is usually an elder and/or influential person in the community obliged to settle dispute between relatives or parties to the case.

(b) The Unit may also solicit the help of the Sultanate League of Marawi City, the Ulama Representatives and the Association of Barangay Captains (ASC) of Marawi City in the resolution of conflicts before it.

SECTION 5. FAlLURE TO SETTLE THROUGH DISPUTE RESOLUTIO UNIT (DRU)

- The effect of failure to settle disputes under the DRU shall lead to the suspension of the processing of the claim without prejudice to the filing of their case before the court of competent jurisdiction for the resolution of their dispute. RULE VI. PROCEEDINGS BEFORE THE BOARD

SECTION 1. JURISDICTION OF THE BOARD. - The Board shall exercise exclusive jurisdiction to evaluate, process,

SECTION 17. NO WRIT OF EXECUTION REQUIRED. - The execution of monetary compensation shall be automatically awarded without need of filing a Motion for Execution, provided that no opposition of the claims has been filed and after the decision has become final and executory.

SECTION 18. SPECIAL POWER OF ATIORNEY NOT ALLOWED, EXCEPTION No special power of attorney shall be recognized in the actual disbursement of the award, and only the owner or the aforesaid successor(s)-in-interest shall be entitled to personally receive said compensation from the Marawi Compensation Board, unless the owner involved is shown to be incapacitated or in other meritorious cases to the satisfaction of the Board.

RULE VII.

FINAL PROVISIONS

SECTION 1. AMENDMENT CLAUSE. The Board may whenever it finds necessary formulate and prescribe amendments to these Rules, consistent with the letter and spirit of the Act.

SECTION 2. SEPARABILITY CLAUSE. If for any reason, any section or rule of these Rules of Procedures is declared unconstitutional or invalid, such other sections or rules not affected thereby shall remain in full force and effect.

SECTION 3. EFFECTIVITY. - These Rules shall take effect fifteen (15) calendar days after publication in two (2) newspapers of general circulation. Approved and Signed on May 26, 2023.