Tinga hits Cayetano on settlers

Taguig Mayor Sigfrido Tinga accused Rep. Alan Cayetano of being involved in the proliferation of informal settlers at the Military Shrine Services (MSS) property in Western Bicutan.

In a statement, Tinga said the Tapat 208 Foundation, which was created by Cayetano last May, is behind the influx of squatters.

The Foundation was created shortly after President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo proclaimed that a portion of property would be allocated to squatters.

Quoting sources, Tinga claimed that the foundation has been charging a fee of P5,000 from individuals interested in building homes inside the 118 hectare property.

Another P100 is also reportedly being collected from the individuals as membership fee in the foundation. It was also alleged that contributions were solicited from the foundation members for welcome parties given to Cayetano and his guests.

Cayetano could not be reached for comment yesterday.

The Philippine Army’s Task Force Bantay, in charge of securing the MSS property, claimed that the disputed area has become a haven for ex-military men, policemen, Presidential Security Group members, government officials and criminals. – Marvin Sy