Mahiga settlers demolition Rama urged: Give cash aid in lieu of relocation

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Councilor Edgardo Labella said he supports Mayor Michael Rama effort to clear the “esteros” and waterways of illegal structures, including the houses of urban poor, but said affected families should be given financial assistance.

Labella said the cash assistance should be given in lieu of the relocation sites.

“I am with the mayor in his desire to clear esteros and waterways, but I appeal to him to give financial assistance to the Mahiga Creek settlers if we can’t provide relocation sites to them,” Labella said.

According to Labella, granting relocation sites or financial assistance to the concerned families is provided for under Republic Act 7279, otherwise known as the Urban Development and Housing Act.

“The amount of assistance should not be less than one month minimum wage salary,” Labella said.

Rama is afraid that the granting of financial assistance to the families living along the creeks will be abused by unscrupulous people.

The mayor had challenged the urban poor families living beside the Mahiga Creek to go to court if they believe that their rights have been violated with his demolition order.

Labella and fellow Councilor Alvin Dizon have a common stand about the issue of removing the illegal settlers from the creek. Rama and Dizon have been trading harsh comments in the past days over the Mahiga demolition.

A total of 147 illegal structures built along the Mahiga Creek in Barangay Mabolo are subject of the ongoing demolition by the members of the Squatters Prevention Encroachment Elimination Division. – (FREEMAN)