QC urban poor ask PNoy to spare them from eviction from North Triangle govt lot

Protesters—including some claiming to be informal settlers of Sitio San Roque in the North Triangle business district along EDSA in Quezon City—stormed the gate of the residence of President Benigno Aquino III Thursday to denounce the impending demolition of their homes.   While news media took pictures and video, the protesters rushed past police officers posted along Times Street. They outnumbered the handful few police who tried to set up barricades, but the rallyists were faster and just slipped past them.   Aquino was not in his home at the time of the protest, but the demonstrators seized the advantage presented by the moment to air their gripes against the plan of the Quezon City local government to develop North Triangle into a business district.   Overwhelmed, the police detail at Times Street allowed the protesters to conduct their brief rally in front the Aquino residence.   After a few minutes and having had the opportunity to exercise their constitutional right to seek redress for their grievances, the protesters dispersed.   The office of Quezon City mayor Herbert Bautista clarified to GMA News that no demolition is imminent although stores along the EDSA flank of North Triangle are being cleared.   The mayor’s secretary, Tady Palma, said the city government hopes to complete the relocation of the North Triangle informal settlers before the next school year opens in June. An urban poor group was quick to issue a statement Friday to express their solidarity with the Sitio San Roque residents.   "President Aquino remains faithful to his class as he continues with the development of QC Central Business District. Social justice and the rights of the urban poor are totally disregarded under this administration in order to give way to big businesses like the Ayalas," said Gloria Arellano of the Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap (KADAMAY).   "Our message to you Noynoy: shed off your skin and show your true colors. You are no different from the much-hated Arroyo government," Arellano added.   "The poor experience heightened poverty, hunger and unemployment under the Aquino administration while big businesses and investors enjoy tax cuts, overpriced contracts and perks," the KADAMAY officer also said. — ELR, GMA News