Rama turns down plea from Mahiga settlers

CEBU, Philippines - After denying the appeal from the affected residents, Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama yesterday gave the go signal to the City Hall demolition team to continue tearing down all illegal structures beside the Mahiga creek even those that are already beyond the easement zone.

Members of the Squatters Prevention Encroachment Elimination Division led by Noel Artes started the demolition yesterday afternoon but the president of the homeowners association, Gemma Rosaceña, convinced the team to defer the demolition until they are able to talk to Rama.

Rosaceña went back to City Hall yesterday afternoon to personally request the Mayor to allow them to retain part of their houses that are beyond the 2.5 meter easement zone. The request was denied by Rama.

Rama told reporters yesterday that the city will face the same problem in the future if he grants the request. Most of the 35 urban poor families affected constructed their houses on a six-meter wide space between the road and the creek.

Rosaceña said she and her members are not against if Rama would want to clear the 2.5 meter radius from the riverbank but asked that they be allowed to retain a portion beyond the 2.4 meters.

Rama said he cannot allow the Mahiga settlers to stay in the area because it will be developed into a sidewalk as this is part of the city government’s commitment to SM Prime Holdings Corporation.

To recall, SM Prime Holdings Corporation, paid P50 million tax in advance on condition that it will be spent for the improvement of the vicinity roads of SM City Cebu and for the rehabilitation of the Mahiga creek. (FREEMAN)