MMDA will continue campaign against squatters -- BF

MANILA, Oct. 6 (IPNA) -- Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Bayani Fernando on Sunday said that he will oppose moves that would curtail the power and authority of the agency in its campaign against informal settlers in Metro Manila, including a proposal for them to get a court order prior to removing or dismantling "squatters'" shanties.

Fernando issued the statement after the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) issued a memorandum, directing local chief executives to form their own local housing board that, among others, will govern the issue of the illegal settlers.

It also requires authorities to seek a court order before ordering a demolition or removal of the settlers' residences.

"We have more than enough legal basis in our campaign against informal settlers, especially those living in danger zones such as along waterways. We will definitely appeal before the DILG," the MMDA chief said.

He said that the MMDA's campaign is protected by law, adding that this is more so when the structures or shanties are obstructing traffic, flow of water or considered a "danger" to the public.

"This development is not new to us. We are used to this kind of things. Ang masasabi lang naming minsan kami ay natatalo sa nasabing isyu pero sa kalaunan, mangingibabaw pa rin ang batas at kami ay laging panalo," he added.

Critics of the MMDA's campaign said the agency is violating the Lina law when it removes or dismantles the settlers' residences without first providing for proper relocation sites and financial assistance.

Republic Act 7279 (Urban Development and Housing Act) or more popularly known as the Lina law, for being authored by former senator and DILG secretary Jose Lina, also requires the provision of relocation sites or financial assistance to affected residents.

Article 6, Section 28, of the Housing Act, says "Financial assistance in the amount equivalent to the prevailing daily minimum wage multiplied by 60 days shall be extended to the affected families by the [local government unit] concerned."

But Fernando said limiting the MMDA's authority would only aggravate the squatting problem in the metropolis.

"Kung paiiralin ng mga pulitiko at ilang ahensiya ng pamahalaan ang pagkunsinti sa mga informal settlers na manatili sa mga mapanganib na lugar na kinatatayuan ng kanilang tirahan at hintayin na muna ang utos ng korte para sila mapaaalis, lalo lamang lolobo ang problema sa squatters ng Metro Manila," he said.

"Papayagan ba natin na magtayo na lamang basta-basta ng bahay sa mga daluyan ng tubig, lansangan at bangketa ang mga tao at hintayin na lang ang utos ng korte para sila mapaalis? Kapag ganito ang nangyari, aba'y kahit sino na lang ay magtatayo ng kanilang tirahan kung saan nila gusto," Fernando added.

Authorities said there are about 75,000 squatter families in the metropolis.