House bill filed to make evictions humane

Parañaque Rep. Gustavo Tambunting: Make evictions humane PHOTO FROM PARANAQUE.GOV.PH

MANILA, Philippines—There should be a code of conduct for operatives tasked with demolishing informal settlers’ homes on private or government property, according to Parañaque Rep. Gustavo Tambunting.

Tambunting has filed a bill that would require government personnel to follow certain protocols before implementing an eviction and demolition order to minimize violence and other unfortunate incidents.

The measure seeks to ensure full cooperation between local governments and stakeholders so that demolitions are carried out in a just and humane manner.

Under Tambunting’s bill, the protocols include full coordination with barangay (village) officials and submission beforehand of the names of all persons, including law enforcement officers, private security personnel and demolition crews, who will take part in the eviction process.

A notice containing the date of the demolition must be submitted in advance.

In seeking passage of his bill, Tambunting said the human rights violations that arise during evictions must be addressed.

“The trampling of basic human rights on both sides of the fence during these incidents is something that is cause for much more concern,” he said in a statement.—Leila B. Salaverria