Groups hail Magna Carta

CEBU, Philippines —  Several urban poor organizations have lauded the enactment of the Magna Carta for the Urban Poor authored by Cebu City north district Rep. Raul del Mar.

Urban poor leader Bimbo Fernandez, in a statement, said that the Magna Carta is a landmark legislation that responds to the urban poor’s demand for a clear-cut commitment from the government to eradicate poverty.

“We agree that while there are existing laws that touch on the needs of the poor, the Magna Carta states in unequivocal terms the basic rights of the poor,” Fernandez said.

These rights, he said, include the right to adequate food, decent jobs, quality education, adequate housing and free health care.

Fernandez said these rights also guarantee the minimum standards of decency that all people deserve as human  beings.

The Magna Carta expressly provides that rights and benefits granted by existing laws for the poor will continue to exist and won’t be diminished.

In his letter to del Mar,  Fernandez stated that the Alliance for the Urban Poor  and other urban poor organizations of Cebu City welcome the new act.

“We hope that you will continue to work together with us, especially in the implementation of this laudable Magna Carta for the Urban  Poor,” the letter read.

There are an estimated 600 urban poor organizations accredited by the Cebu City government.

Del Mar, principal author of the Magna Carta who filed then House Bill 55 in 2004 under the 13th Congress, earlier said that the bill was the result of legislative work spanning 15 years. — JMD (FREEMAN)