CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City south district Rep. Tomas R. Osmeña yesterday announced he is willing to help the urban poor families who will be affected by the ongoing clearing of the creeks in the city by giving them financial assistance.
This after Mayor Michael Rama announced that the city may not provide financial assistance to affected families who will not be able to pass the requirements, among which is that they should be registered voters of the city.
“I gave Councilors Nida Cabrera and Alvin Dizon full access to my pork barrel and use whatever is available. No problem with me,” Osmeña told The FREEMAN in a text message.
As member of the House of Representatives, Osmeña is entitled to P70 million Countrywide Development Fund (CDF) or pork barrel every year that will be spent for various projects for the public.
During the City Council session yesterday, Dizon delivered a privilege speech urging Rama to always comply with the provisions of the law when he orders the demolition of the structures along the waterways.
Although Dizon, who used to be an urban poor leader before he became a councilor, lauded Rama’s effort in relocating the families from creeks to ensure their safety, he reminded the mayor to always comply with the law.
He said the Republic Act 7279 or the Urban Development and Housing Act provides that there should be relocation sites, even if it is only temporary, or financial assistance to be given to the persons who will be subjected to government clearing operations.
Dizon rejected Rama’s speculations that the granting of financial assistance to those who will be affected by the clearing of creeks may encourage more squatters to live in danger zones anyway the city will relocate them and give each of them financial assistance.
“I believe that the provision of the financial assistance and adequate relocation will not encourage more people to come here in the city and a waste of taxpayers’ money. Rather, this is a concrete example of the city’s commitment to ensure the welfare of its constituents,” Dizon said.
Councilor Edgardo Labella supported Dizon’s pronouncement that some of the persons who are living beside the Mahiga Creek have been living there for more than 10 years and they have contributed to the economy as workers and small entrepreneurs.
According to Dizon, there is an urgent need for the city to undertake the full development of relocation sites for these informal settlers. “The financial assistance, no matter how small the amount, will help these families to start their lives anew,” he said.
Dizon also asked Rama to create a committee to conduct a study and inventory of city-owned lots that remain idle but can be developed into sites for socialized housing. (FREEMAN)