De Lima asks for an investigation on relocations

SENATOR LEILA M. DE LIMA tabled a resolution calling for an investigation into the possible displacement of families in Metro Manila from the two construction projects under the government's "Build, Build, Build" infrastructure program.

Senate Resolution No. 927, tabled on October 30, urges the relevant Senate Committee to consider the imminent displacement of about 180,000 families due to the P23 billion highway connection project of the North Luzon Highway. and South of the Luzon Highway (NLEx-SLEx) and P171. North-South railway project of a billion dollars.

"Mega-infrastructure projects such as these seldom mention, if at all, the social costs of these efforts, especially the physical and economic displacement of thousands of people just to give way to their construction in the densely populated area. of Metro Manila, "said the senator. in a statement Sunday.

De Lima said the two construction projects would result in the demolition of homes in at least 38 barangays in Metro Manila, including small housing firms. Thousands of people would be displaced in inaccessible sites, she added.

She also warned that inappropriate displacement and resettlement would aggravate economic and social problems. According to the senator, some residents of Sampaloc, Manila, said they were not consulted during the property rights negotiations.

"It is necessary to look closely at our government agencies' urban development plans for these projects and to give due consideration and recognition to individuals and families at risk of uprooting," she said. declared.

Ms. De Lima also urged the government to change the framework of its national resettlement policy and make it operational by means of a decree or law establishing a clear roadmap to fill the gaps in the policy "No moving, no demolition".

The NLEx-SLEx Link Road is an eight-kilometer road that is to be built over the tracks of the Philippine National Railways (PNR), from the C3 road to Caloocan up to the Polytechnic University of Philippines to Sta. Mesa, Manila.

At the same time, the North-South Suburban Railway Project, also known as PNR North 1, consists of a 37.9-kilometer railway linking Malolos, Bulacan to Tutuban, Manila.

Both projects are in pre-construction phase. – Camille A. Aguinaldo