Deputy Speaker and SAGIP partylist Rep. Rodante Marcoleta has urged his colleagues to look into the implementation of the P50-million Housing Project in Purok 6, Barangay Lam-An in Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental, and the alleged violations in the demolition of houses and eviction of the residents while the Philippines is placed under a state of calamity.
He filed House Resolution No. 1197 calling the House Committees on Housing and Urban Development, and Good Government and Public Accountability to probe the reported non-compliance of the local government unit of Ozamiz City and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) with the requisites and procedure for the execution of eviction or demolition orders under Republic Act No. 7279, the “Urban Development and Housing Act of 1992.”
“There are numerous reports of harassment, violence, and use of force against the residents in Lam-an during the demolition and evictions,” Marcoleta said.
Under the resolution, the House leader noted that the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) issued Memorandum Circular No. 2020-068, dated April 2, 2020, directing all local government units (LGUs) to postpone all demolition and eviction activities until the state calamity is lifted by the President.
“Despite the directive of the DILG, the LGU of Ozamiz City and DPWH still commenced the demolition of houses on April 24, 2020, which continues up to the present, to implement the Housing Project in Lam-an,” Marcoleta said.
He said the DILG’s issuance of the April 2 memorandum circular is pursuant to Republic Act No. 11469, “Bayanihan to Heal as One Act” and as response to the impact of COVID-19 on affected areas and vulnerable communities. The MC also provides that the failure to comply with the directive will be dealt with in accordance with RA No. 11469, he said.
Under HR No. 1197, the vice chairperson of the House Committee on Public Accounts called on the two panels, chaired by Cavite 2nd District Rep. Strike Revilla, and Bulacan 1st District Rep. Jose Antonio Sy-Alvarado to also look into "similar instances of demolition and eviction activities which might be occurring in or have already occurred in other areas in the country” despite the DILG’s issuance of MC No. 2020-068.
“Additional measures are needed to ensure the proper implementation of similar circulars and other issuances of national government agencies in effect during this unprecedented period of a state of calamity to preserve public health, safety, and the general welfare,” Marcoleta said.