Atienza stops demolition in Divisoria’s commercial area

Manila Mayor Lito Atienza has stopped all demolition activities in a commercial area in Divisoria, saying that the move is illegal without a court order.

Some 50 business establishments in the area, including a large rice warehouse, were forcefully evicted on the strength of a demolition order from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

Atienza said that under the law, the order was not final and should not have been carried out, especially if it would affect businesses and properties.

"The rights of the people should be respected at all times. I will see to it that this basic right of every individual will be observed by my officials," Atienza said.

A group of rice merchants led by a certain Bernard Ong had bewailed the demolition of their stalls, claiming that some P20 million worth of rice stocks are now in danger of being destroyed due to exposure to various elements.

"Thousands of our rice stock are in danger of being destroyed by rain and this may result to abnormal increase in the price of rice in the local market," the group said.

Ong said that the rice warehouse has been there for more than 40 years so "it is quite obvious the demolition was hastily carried out without court approval."

The Manila mayor ordered City Building Permits Office chief Cader Odin and private contractor Emmanuel Lalin to explain why they should not be sanctioned for pushing through with the demolition despite an earlier declaration by the city officer that it is illegal.