CEBU, Philippines - Akbayan Partylist Representative Risa Hontiveros-Baraquel met with urban poor leaders yesterday in barangay Carreta to discuss amendments for the provisions of the Republic Act no. 7279 or the Urban Development and Housing Act of 1992.
Baraquel said that like other laws, there are lapses that can still be addressed and improvements made to benefit the public.
In the existing UDHA, Baraquel said that the scope of the implementation of the mandate under the Constitution is to those whose houses were constructed prior to the effectivity of the law on March 28, 1992.
Another one of their concerns in the current UDHA is the issue of providing a relocation site for residents who will be evicted.
Baraquel said that she will take the concern and ensure that the relocation sites would be safe for the residents.
Baraquel also pointed out that they would like to move on the prohibition against new illegal structures being constructed in the different barangays and municipalities.
In the proposed provision, it is stated that after the effectivity of the act, LGU shall “prevent the construction of any kind of illegal dwelling unit within their localities provided however, than any eviction or demolition of underprivileged and homeless citizens conducted in implementation of this section must be done with observance of and in full compliance with the eight mandatory requirements prescribed under section 28 of this act.”
Included in the mandatory requirements are notice upon the affected persons of at least 30 days prior to the date of eviction, presence of local government officials, proper identification of people taking part in the demolition and no use of heavy equipment for demolition except for concrete structures.
One of the housing leaders also raised the concern that consultations should be done prior to eviction and demolition and not mere information on the plans of eviction.
Baraquel assured the urban housing leaders that their concerns will be included when the prohibitions would be raised in the House of Representatives.
Baraquel also paid a courtesy call to Governor Gwen Garcia.
“Every time I visit Cebu, I make it sure to visit Governor Garcia,” said Hontiveros.
Before Hontiveros visited Garcia, she attended the commencement exercises of the University of Philippines-Cebu College. — AJ de la Torre, Johanna T. Natavio and Mark Z. Gantuangco (THE FREEMAN)