Urban poor groups urge SC to protect them vs demolition

MANILA, Philippines—Urban poor groups gathered in front of the Supreme Court Friday to call for a speedy, favorable decision that will protect them against impending demolition.
Carlito Badion, lead convenor of Alyansa Kontra Demolisyon said that around 50 people from their group gathered at the Supreme Court to ask for a favorable ruling on several demolition issues, including having a “decent” relocation for them.

Badion  said that he has been residing in a  relocation site in Montalban, Rizal for about 12 years now and has experienced various difficulties there.

“Walang kabuhayan at napaka-hirap ng kuryente at tubig,” he said.

Badion said that areas with standing demolition orders include Pangarap Village in Caloocan City, Quezon City Central Business District, San Juan, and Welfare Ville compound in Mandaluyong City.

He said that not less than 8,000 families in Metro Manila alone have been displaced under the Aquino government.

Badion said that the Urban Development and Housing Act, which is supposed to protect everybody’s right for a “decent home” works otherwise as it is what the government uses to boot them out of their homes.