Over 1,000 Batangueños led by Nasugbu, Batangas Vice Mayor Mildred Sanchez gathered at Makati's Freedom Park on Thursday, June 6, to protest the plan of Roxas and Company, Inc. (RCI) to evict over 50,000 residents from Haciendas Palico, Banilad and Kaylaway (the Roxas Haciendas) to make way for a real estate development.
The protesters also include the municipality's Sangguniang Bayan (SB) and barangay captains of the nine affected barangays, which all cover up to 2,941 hectares.
Among the affected areas include the whole Barangay Aga, which would be demolished to make way for RCI’s planned real estate development.
During their protest, they visited the head offices of the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), and RCI itself.
They then proceeded to the head offices of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP), and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), where they gave copies of SB Resolution No. 118.
The resolution calls on BSP, LBP, DBP, BPI, among others, not to grant financial support or any extension of loans in favor of RCI until such time that it settles its obligations to the affected agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) over the disputed lands.
The resolution also declares persona non grata the board of directors and officers of RCI, along with other families who are identified with RCI.
The resolution also calls for the suspension any business permits given to any business or project in Nasugbu, Batangas of RCI and those who support RCI.
Meanwhile, the BPI showed appreciation to the Nasugbu LGU for the efforts, assuring them that “BPI will seriously consider the contents of the SB Resolution 118, especially the concern of your Sangguniang Bayan for the farmers of your good town in the conduct of its business in the area.”
On the other hand, Land Bank, DBP, and BSP confirmed they will meet with Nasugbu LGU to discuss the contents of SB Resolution 118.
Sanchez expressed her appreciation for the response of the banking community.
“We are encouraged by the willingness of government agencies and financial institutions to support Nasugbu. We are calling for more equitable compensation for our residents and a commitment that there will be no forced eviction in the Roxas Haciendas,” Sanchez said.
“The collection of real property taxes from RCI can also be used by our municipality for healthcare, education, and other social services, to improve the standard of living in our town,” Sanchez added.