03/09/2008 [ tribune.net.ph ]
Speaker Prospero Nograles has endorsed the proposed P3-billion special fund to address the immediate concerns of some 126,230 families living in almost sub-human conditions along esteros, dumps and other danger zones in Metro Manila.
“I strongly support the P3-billion three-year program proposed by Metro Manila congressmen to collectively address the immediate concerns of the families affected by the demolition to permanently solve the decades-old problem of informal settlers,” Nograles said.
Nograles lauded the immediate action of housing and urban development committee chairman, Rep. Rodolfo Valencia, following an initial public hearing Wednesday to create a technical working group (TWG) to fine-tune the details of the program.
“It is our duty to put in place permanent solutions to alleviate the sad plight of our people. Once enacted into law, we hope to duplicate this program in other urban centers in the country,” Valencia said.
Led by Manila Rep. Amado Bagatsing, Minority Leader Ronaldo Zamora and Quezon City Rep. Mary Ann Susano, the other proponents include Representatives Benjamin Asilo, Jaime Lopez, Maria Zenaida Angping, Ma. Teresa Bonoan-David, Bienvenido Abante, Vincent Crisologo, Mat Defensor, Nanette Castelo-Daza and Eduardo Zialcita.
“This will be a landmark legislation that will solve problems of housing, health, environment, tourism, criminality and other collateral issues and most of all restore the dignity of our underprivileged citizens,” Bagatsing said.
Other signatories include senior deputy Majority Leader Neptali Gonzales and Representatives Roilo Golez, Cynthia Villar, Teodoro Locsin Jr., Mar-Len Abigail Binay, Rozzano Rufino Biazon, Ma. Laarni Cayetano, Henry Duenas Jr., Del de Guzman and Oscar Malapitan.
The authors’ list also include Representatives Mary Mitzi Cajayon, Roman Romulo, Jose Antonio Roxas, Rex Gatchalian, Marcelino Teodoro, Alvin Sandoval and Magtanggol Gunigundo.
According to government statistics for Metro Manila, approximately 14,132 families live along esteros, 11,340 along road right of way, 67,949 along waterways, 14,132 near transmission lines, 2,821 near airports and about 16,506 in areas of priority development, dumps, MWSS and market places.
The authors noted that every rainy season the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority keeps on locating the lost esteros of Metro Manila and, as a result, demolition of houses is resorted to, thousands of families are displaced by such demolitions, but only to find out that they are merely transferred from one danger area to another danger area.
They also noted that in spite of the constitutional guidelines, it appears that the policy of the government “seems confusing.”
“Social justice for the underprivileged and homeless citizens of the state on one hand, while on the other, eviction and demolition when expediency arises in addressing the immediate concerns of Metro Manila residents to remove the shanties in the esteros, to let water flow along its natural course, and avoid flooding in the places,” they pointed out.
