‘Squatters weaken tourism industry’

Just like terrorism, problem on squatters in Metro Manila is taking its toll on the country’s tourism industry.

Tourism Secretary Richard Gordon said tourists are turned off by the presence of squatters’ shanties in many parts of Metro Manila.

"Squatters weaken tourism, tourists are depressed to see them," Gordon said.

The tourism industry is one of the sectors badly hit by terror threats as many foreign governments issued travel advisories to their citizens against visiting the country for fear of their safety.

But according to Gordon, the problem on squatters in the metropolis is partly to blame for the down turn of tourism.

Squatters have invaded even the historic Intramuros, forcing the Department of Tourism to limit the tourism activities on two streets – Gen. Luna, Sta. Lucia and their adjacent alleys.

The DOT is currently holding festival in the historic Walled City as part of the government’s Visit Philippines 2003 program.

The program aims to boost the tourism industry to help improve the country’s economy.

Not only tourism, squatters also hamper the development efforts of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) to rehabilitate the Philippine National Railways (PNR).

The PNR tracks particularly in the north are now covered with shanties.

The government is having a hard time relocating squatters because of the so-called Lina Law, sponsored by then senator, now Interior and Local Government Secretary Jose Lina Jr. Under the law, no squatters should be evicted unless they are relocated which emboldens illegal settlers.

But the tourism chief is not closing the door for squatters families whom he said, could be productive members of society once there is a boom in the tourism business.

Gordon said squatters could find jobs once the tourism industry picks up. They could work as waiters or dishwashers in restaurants in the tourist belt area, Gordon said.