March 10, 2009 08:05 PM Tuesday [ journal.com.ph ]
A moratorium for the demolition of squatter shanties in Quezon City would soon be implemented following the approval of the city council of an ordinance for such purposes.
The ordinance which “imposes a moratorium on evictions and demolitions of structures used fro dwelling purposes and other measures to protect the right to adequate housing and providing penalties or violation thereof,” was approved for the third and final reading by the city council.
The 26-strong members of the city council introduced the ordinance as they cited the Nov. 6, 2008 recommendations ordering the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and local government units (LGUs) to stop all evictions and demolitions of structures used for dwelling purposes until there are relocation sites that comply with the international standards of providing those directly affected with adequate housing.
Under the ordinance, there would be no evictions or demolition of structures unless the affected persons or entities would be notified 30 days prior to the date of eviction or demolition.
The councilors added that there should be an adequate consultation on the matter of resettlement with the duly designated representatives of the families to be resettled and the affected communities in the areas where they were to be relocated if demolition would be implemented.
They further stressed that there should be an adequate relocation, whether temporary or permanent before a demolition would be undertaken.
The councilors added that the relocation should be accessible to natural and common resources, safe drinking water, energy for cooking, heating and lighting, sanitation and washing facilities means of food storage, refuse, disposal, site damage and emergency services.
Those to be relocated should have legal security of tenure which shall guarantee legal protection against forced eviction, harassment and other threats.
The moratorium, the councilors said, does not cover agreements, contracts or negotiations entered into by the city government in coordination with other national government agencies.
Violators of the ordinance would suffer the penalty of a fine of P5,000 and/ or imprisonment of not more than one year at the discretion of the court.
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