Urban poor leaders warn Rama of suit

CEBU, Philippines - Twelve Urban poor organization leaders that live along the Mahiga creek threaten to file a case against Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama in case the city government demolishes their houses.

Earlier, Rama said he will write the DPWH to ask for authority to demolish houses along the Mahiga creek.

The Cebu City government said it cannot dredge the creek because of the presence of illegal structures on the Mandaue side of the creek.

Yesterday the urban poor leaders of the different homeowners association said they weren't happy with Rama's statement.

They said that Rama has no right to meddle with their lives because they live in Mandaue City.

They said Rama should wait until all of them have transferred to a relocation site at the 6.5-hectare property in barangay Paknaan.

Arsenio Canoy, member of the board of trustees of the Mahayag Homeowners Association said if Rama pushed through with the demolition they will be compelled to file a case against him in court.

Florentino Nimor, planning officer of the Mandaue City government said each local government has its own way of dealing with informal settlers. In the case of Mandaue, it follows the law, he said.

Nimor denied allegations that the city has been doing nothing against their informal settlers since at present the 6.5 hectares relocation site in barangay Paknaan is now being developed in preparation for the transfer of the 600 beneficiaries.