DPWH told to talk to mayors on houses in danger zones

President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday night ordered the Department of Public Works and Highways to talk to mayors regarding structures built in danger zones.

In his weekly Talk to the People, Duterte made the remark after DPWH Secretary Roger Mercado said there were structures built in no-build zones in some of the areas affected by typhoon Odette.

Duterte then told Mercado to talk to local executives to address the matter.

"You need to talk to the mayors pati governors but more importantly is how the mayor would govern his city or municipality kasi sila lang makaturo kung saan ilipat 'tong mga 'to," Duterte said.

"Ang akin kasi I do not want to dismantle or to destroy houses unless there is a relocation site ...kasi ito 'yung mga nowehere to go," he added.

Duterte said families living along the coastlines or river often become the "ultimate sacrifices" when catastrophes strike.

"There are just too many people who are poor, the huge crowd of masses na walang malipatan. 'Pag hindi pumasok ang mayor dyan, mahirapan ka talaga," he said.—LDF, GMA News