Taguig won't evict Lupang Katuparan residents

MANILA, Philippines - Taguig Mayor Sigfrido Tiñga denied yesterday rumors reportedly being circulated by his political opponents that the city government will evict thousands of residents from their homes in Lupang Katuparan.

He said the eviction issue is being used against the city government to cause unrest and instigate anger among the residents. “For lack of a platform and solid performance, our political opponents are desperately trying to create unfounded stories and issues to turn the people against us,” Tiñga said.

The mayor noted that the 48-hectare Lupang Katuparan in Barangay Katuparan is owned and managed by the National Housing Authority. He said the city government is in constant coordination with NHA officials to ensure that no family will be unjustly evicted from the area.

The NHA said there is no truth to the rumors of imminent eviction being circulated to the residents.

NHA-National Capital Region manager Daisy Lizardo explained that the NHA is still in the process of social preparation and pre-qualification for lot disposition in the area, as required by Republic Act 7279 or the Urban Development and Housing Act (UDHA) of 1992.

“There is no reason for the residents to be alarmed, as there is no directive on eviction or even demolition of the settlements in the area,” Lizardo said.

Lupang Katuparan is covered under Executive Order 70, as amended by EOs 216 and 465, which transferred the ownership and administration of portions of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority property to the NHA.

Under the Code of Policies of EO 70, residents or families who qualify under the conditions set by the code shall be entitled to home lots and be issued a certificate of lot award.              

Tiñga called on Taguig constituents to apply for prequalification with NHA or avail of the city’s housing program, dubbed “the Family Townhomes project.”