Makati government moves to protect vacant lands

The Makati City government has moved to prevent squatting, dumping and other illegal activities on vacant lots.

Ordinance No. 2001-073 requires the owners and administrators of vacant lots in the city to build fences around their property as well as maintain sanitary conditions. The ordinance was created in response to the proliferation of vacant lots that have been converted into open garbage dumps.

Vice Mayor Ernesto Mercado noted that the presence of these open dumps poses a threat to "the health of the residents nearby and the ecological balance of the community."

A number of criminal activities have also been reported in the vacant lots particularly drug dealing and pot sessions which usually take place in the dark of night.

Mercado also cited the use of the property as pay parking lots and the construction of homes by squatters.

According to the ordinance, the requirement to fence and clean the vacant lots has to be imposed whether or not certain activities are being done with the consent of the owner.

Prior to the formulation of the ordinance, the city government faced a dilemma as to what to do with landowners who allow squatters to settle in their property or the dumping of garbage because the owner has the right to alienate his own land.

However, the City Council argued that the city government could step in once it is determined that the use of the vacant lot for whatever purposes has become a threat to public health, safety and the general welfare of the community.

All of the barangay officials in the city have also been directed to conduct regular inspections of the vacant lots in their jurisdictions and issue notices to the owners who violate the ordinance.