Nograles backs P3-B program for metro squatters

MANILA, Philippines - House Speaker Prospero Nograles has endorsed the proposed P3-billion special fund bill seeking to address the problems of some 126,230 families living on esteros, dumpsites and other danger zones in the metropolis. "I strongly support the P3-billion, 3-year program proposed by Metro Manila congressmen to address the immediate concerns of families affected by demolitions to permanently solve the decades-old problem of informal settlers," Nograles said. Nograles lauded Housing and Urban Development Committee chairman Rep. Rodolfo Valencia for initiating the creation of a technical working group (TWG) to fine-tune the details of the program. "Once enacted into law, we hope to duplicate this program in other urban centers in the country," Valencia said. Manila Rep. Amado Bagatsing (5D Manila) said "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." Statistics show that Metro Manila has around 14,132 families living along esteros; 11, 340 along roads’ right of way; 67,949 along waterways; 14,132 near transmission lines; 2,821 near airports and about 16,506 in areas targeted for development, dumpsites, water districts and Market places. Authors of the bills have noted that every rainy season the Metro Manila Development Authority’s activities of clearing esteros often result in demolitions, and that evicted families would just be transferred to another danger area. They also noted that despite constitutional guidelines, government policy on the problem "seems confusing." Proponents of the bill are Rep. Bagatsing, Minority Leader Ronaldo Zamora (San Juan), Rep. Mary Ann Susano (2D QC), Rep. Benjamin DR Asilo (1D Manila), Jaime Lopez (2D Manila), Maria Zenaida Angping (3D Manila), Ma. Teresa Bonoan-David (4D Manila), Bienvenido Abante (6D Manila), Vincent Crisologo (1D QC), Mat Defensor (3D QC), Nanette Castelo-Daza (4D QC), and Eduardo Zialcita (1D Paranaque). Also on the authors' list are Reps. Mary Mitzi Cajayon (2D Kaloocan), Roman Romulo (Pasig), Jose Antonio Roxas (Pasay), Rex Gatchalian (1D Valenzuela), Marcelino Teodoro (1D Marikina), Alvin Sandoval (Navotas-Malabon) and Magtanggol Gunigundo (2D Vlenzuela). Other signatories include senior deputy Majority Leader Neptali Gonzales (Mandaluyong) and Reps. Roilo Golez (2D Paranaque), Cynthia Villar (Las Pinas), Teodoro Locsin, Jr. (1D Makati), Mar-Len Abigail Binay (2D Makati), Rozzano Rufino Biazon (Muntinlupa), Ma. Laarni Cayetano (1D Taguig -Pateros), Henry Duenas, Jr (2D Taguig), Del de Guzman (2D Marikina) and Oscar Malapitan (1D Kaloocan). - Fidel Jimenez, GMANews.TV