Manila Rep. Manuel Luis “Manny” T. Lopez is counting on the National Housing Authority (NHA) to jumpstart its planned first phase of high-rise building onsite development that would benefit the residents of Vitas-Katuparan Housing Project in Tondo, Manila.

The chairperson of the House Committee on Metro Manila Development urged NHA General Manager Marcelino Escalada Jr. to ensure that the “first in-city relocation in the metropolis” will push through, after the NHA top official bared that they are willing to pour in P1 billion the first phase implementation of the project that would accommodate “more or less” 800 families amid the issuance of demolition order against 27 buildings, which houses some 1,760 families in Tondo, Manila.

“The threat is imminent and I think urgency is of utmost importance. Sana po maipatupad ito sa lalong madaling panahon (I hope this will be implemented as soon as possible),” Lopez said. “Sana po naman magiging sustainable, at world-class po ito (I hope this will be sustainable and world-class).”

During the House Committee on Appropriations hearing on the proposed budget of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) on Sept. 10, Escalada confirmed that the Manila city government and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) issued the demolition order.

Voicing out the “commitments" separately made by Escalada and Manila City Administrator Felix Espiritu, Lopez, who hails from Tondo, reassured the Vitas-Katuparan residents that there will be "no demolition without relocation.”

“These commitments are a welcome development not just for me but most especially to our constituents who have been fearing for their future in the past weeks. We have a long way to go in the development of the Vitas-Katuparan housing project but knowing that the national and local government are with us, including the President and Sen. Bong Go, makes us more hopeful and dedicated,” Lopez said.

“The development or rehabilitation of in-city housing for the poor can serve as a landmark project for the Duterte administration. Years from now, this administration will be lauded and remembered for their 'malasakit' in uplifting poor Filipinos from homelessness and hopelessness,” he added.

During the budget briefing, Lopez disclosed the Manila city government’s issuance of a demolition order dated Sept. 1 against the “residents of 27 building occupants that house around 1,700 dwelling units to a minimum of 5,000 families.”

According to him, a letter of condemnation on the buildings was issued in 2014.

Lopez reminded the government of its mandate to "ensure adequate basic social services to the people, and this includes decent housing. “

“I thank General Manager Escalada, President Duterte, and Sen. Go, for their heart and commitment to this mandate,” he said.