Zubiri calls for probe into MMDA demolitions

Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri condemned yesterday the latest evictions of informal settlers in various parts of Metro Manila by the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA).

Zubiri, chairman of the Senate committee on urban planning, housing and resettlement, said it was “disheartening to see that the demolitions of informal settlers by MMDA have become messy, chaotic, fearsome and violent” and he will seek an investigation into the issue when Congress resumes regular sessions on Nov. 5.

“Somebody has to take responsibility for this mess. This is highly condemnable and I will not let this incident come to pass. MMDA has continued their demolitions and evictions of informal settlers in various parts of Metro Manila despite our agreement for a moratorium for one month,” he said.

Zubiri said a moratorium was reached between his committee and MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando during a consultative meeting last Oct. 10.

But Fernando asked that demolition activities with certificates of clearance by the Presidential Council for the Urban Poor as well as those that the MMDA had started be exempted from the moratorium. Zubiri said his committee agreed.

“I could not see the reason why the MMDA blatantly reneged on our agreement. Are these the kinds of officials that we have now? They do not follow agreements anymore?” Zubiri asked.