This letter is in reaction to the news article “House bill filed to make eviction humane” (News, 7/8/13).
Normally, informal settlers don’t agree to leave their houses and move to their respective relocation sites in a peaceful manner. Relocating “informal occupants” will always be like an “action-packed” movie with a lot of people getting hurt. In Cagayan de Oro City, for example, sidewalk vendors are “karate-kicked” by officials of the Land Transportation Office and their goods are taken away. The rich (who own the land or someone with the authority) only think about themselves, determined to “accomplish their mission” (read: get what they want) by hook or by crook.
The present administration is introducing innovations in the way of demolishing squatter areas. The recent, forced evictions seem to violate the people’s right to due process and constitute prohibited punishments.
But finally, Parañaque Rep. Gustavo Tambunting has done something—he has filed a bill to stop the oppression of informal settlers and the violation of their basic human rights. Tambunting’s bill must be prioritized before more blood is shed at demolitions. Proper protocol must be observed during these forced evictions and with the help of his bill, the basic human rights of oppressed informal settlers will no longer be taken for granted.
—ANGELIE PADILLA, GAILE NOREEN A. BOYSILLO,
SHEILA MAE LINSAHAN