Government officials reassured Catholic bishops and urban poor families there will be no demolition of shanties in squatter areas without “functional” relocation sites.
The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) said Friday night the reassurance was made following a meeting in Malacañang with Metro Manila’s urban poor groups, non-government organizations and Church leaders.
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo hosted the meeting with Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Bayani Fernando and other agency representatives in attendance.
The meeting was held Thursday afternoon at the request of Tuguegarao Archbishop Diosdado Talamayan and Bayombong Bishop Ramon Villena.
Participants at the meeting agreed that a 45-day notice will be given to informal settlers whose shanties are up for demolition.
CBCP-NASSA Executive Secretary Sr. Rosanne Malillin said the first priority for demolition are informal settlers along esteros and waterways while squatters in government lands up for development are considered second priority and those occupying private properties are third in the priority list.
“There are nearly 400,000 Metro Manila families up for relocation, most of whom prefer to be relocated in Rodriguez (Montalban), Rizal considering its distance from Quezon City where they can find work,” Malillin said.