KADAMAY on DILG moratorium order

A brief victory for the urban poor due to militant assertion, a shortsighted solution by the government

“It is a brief and temporary gain for the urban poor in Metro Manila brought forth by their militant assertion to defend their homes and livelihood. But the battle is far from over.”

 This was the reaction of Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap (Kadamay) on DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo’s order to put on hold all planned demolition operations in the National Capital Region.

 “The urban poor communities in Metro Manila have lead time now to further strengthen their barricade lines while communities nationwide prepare for future battles,” said Carlito Badion, Kadamay Vice Chair. But the group was quick to dispel any hope from the government.

 “The DILG order shows the shortsightedness of the Aquino administration in dealing with the problem of informal settlers,” Badion said.

 “Robredo's action was merely ordering NCRPO to review policies and procedures during demolition. The problem as to why the urban poor risk their lives and limbs to prevent demolition is not being addressed," Badion reacted.

He added that the order covers only Metro Manila while demolition attempts are as well on their way in other cities and regions. After the violent demolition of San Roque in September 23, 2010 resulting in a fiery street clash in EDSA between residents and government forces, President Aquino declared a nationwide moratorium and ordered the formation of a DILG Technical Working Group (TWG).

“Nothing actually happened with Robredo’s recommendations to President Aquino from the TWG results in March 2011 as they were never implemented. Even Robredo seems to have deserted his own policy recommendations," Badion said.

"The Secretary, for all his wisdom, should know that the review he ordered is simply for naught unless there is a significant change in framework and policies,” Badion said.

 “For as long as the urban poor are considered by the government to be polluters, causing congestion, depreciating land value, preventing development of area, and completely disregarded by evicting them off to far-flung relocation sites without jobs and livelihood, urban poor unrest will continue,” said Badion. ###

 Media Release 28
April 2012
Reference: Carlito Badion, Kadamay national vice chair, 0939.387.3736