Makabayan party list bloc push DILG Sec. Robredo for better solutions on urban poor housing problems

The progressive party list bloc this morning held a dialog with DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo to push the Executive to come up with solutions that would squarely address the problems of housing and demolitions in urban poor communities nationwide.

“The dialogue was positive because we were able to impress upon the DILG Secretary the voices of families from embattled urban poor communities faced with threats of demolition, asking for a comprehensive and humane solution to their housing problems," Gabriela solon Emmi de Jesus remarked after a dialogue with DILG Secretary Jessie Robredo today, at the House of Representatives.

Partylist groups under the Makabayan coalition represented by seven (7) representatives submitted a position paper to the DILG Secretary demanding for a moratorium on the demolition of informal settlers. At the same time, the group called on the Aquino administration to address the root causes of mass poverty and the problems of informal settlers.

Aside from Reps. Teddy Casino and Emmi De Jesus, also present were Rep. Rafael Mariano of Anakpawis Party list, Rep. Luz Ilagan of Gabriela Women's Party, Rep. Antonio Tinio of ACT Teachers Party list, and Rep. Raymond Palatino of Kabataan Partylist.

"We also took the opportunity to seek Sec. Robredo's support in pushing President Aquino for an extension of his earlier moratorium order against demolitions, pending a comprehensive plan that considers the views and problems of urban poor families. We also demanded for strict compliance by all LGUs of the moratorium on demolitions, once an extension is effected," rejoined Rep. Teddy Casino of Bayan Muna.

Sec. Robredo clarified during the dialogue that only the President has the power to issue a moratorium on demolition. He also said that Local Government Units are creating more problems by relocating informal settlers to far flung places only to have them return because jobs and employment opportunities are not available in remote relocation areas.“

We were united with the Secretary in the view contained in his 2nd report to the President on the housing question, that a more humane and practical solution is to consider on-site and/or in-city relocation as the primary option for informal settlers," added Anakpawis partylist Rep. Rafael Mariano.

“In the end, however, the progressive party list representatives present in the dialogue concur that the correct long-term program addressing the urban poor housing problem includes the provision of decent jobs with just wages for workers, genuine agrarian reform for farmers, a national and sustainable industrialization program, and adequate and affordable basic social services," ended Rep. De Jesus. ###