Mayhaligue demolition, sale must be probed – Cong. Valeriano

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A thorough investigation into the controversial May 16 attempted demolition in Mayhaligue, Sta. Cruz, Manila is being pushed in Congress by Manila Congressman Rolan ‘CRV’ Valeriano, even as he questioned the circumstances behind its sale.

In a privilege speech, Valeriano also called for a moratorium while the laws governing demolition and relocation are yet to be reviewed and amended.

“Hindi pupuwedng tuloy-tuloy lang ang pagwasak ng mga tahanan habang ‘butas-buitas’ ang sistema,” said Valeriano, as he bared that there is a deeper issue into the Mayhaligue incident.

According to Valeriano, no one has ever been interested in the said area since the 1950s, so that settlers lived there.

“Pero kelan lang, biglaang naibenta sa kumpanyang 2288 Etan Realty Corp. Paano ito naibenta nang ganung kabilis? May transparency ba, legal ba? Ang masakit pa, habang me gusot ay mabilis na kumilos ang goons para sa demolisyon na nagmamadaling ihabol bago mag-June 30,” Valeriano questioned.

He added: “Matagal nang umiiral ang modus ng mga kompanya ang paghanap ng mga lupang me informal settlers. Bibilhin ang lupa nang murang-mura, maghahain ng kaso para mapaalis ang mga maralita at pag na-demolish na ay ibebenta sa mas mataas na halaga. ‘Massive profit at the expense of the poor,’

The Congressman stressed the need for an immediate probe into the attempted demolition, not only in Mayhaligue but also in Barangay 227 in District 2, as he expressed belief that lawmakers are supposed to be defenders of the oppressed.

In the case of the Mayhaligue incident, Valeriano questioned that no due process was employees, noting that there is no clear notice given to the residents, no relocation or alternative was offered to the more than 400 families who have been living there for the past almost 70 years and there is no clearance from the Philippine Commission on Urban Poor as mandated by Republic Act 7279 Urban Development and Housing Act and Executive Order 152 series of 2002.

“Gumamit din ng sangkaterbang pulis na naka-full battle gear at akala mo me giyera. Ang pagkaka-isyu ng korte ng temporary restraining order noong May 27 ay isang matibay na patibay na may kakulangan sa proseso, kaya dapat magkaroon ng Congressional inquiry ukol sa insidente dahil ito ay usapin ng batas, hustisya at karapatang pantao,” Valeriano stressed.

The lawmaker said there must be a balance between ‘social justice’ and ‘due process’, as against the right of the lot owner and the welfare of the informal settlers who cannot be treated like trash.

At the end of his speech, Cong. Valeriano said that it was in the said area where Vice President Sara Duterte stood during the campaign period to smear his reputation, which he said is probably the reason why he got reelected.