DILG 10 calls LGUs to postpone demolition activities

To further respond to the impact of COVID-19 threats, all LGUs are directed to postpone all demolition and eviction activities and ensure that all homeless citizens within respective jurisdictions are properly accommodated.

 In line with Republic Act no. 11469, otherwise known as “Bayanihan to Heal as One Act”, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) 10 Regional Director Arnel M. Agabe reiterated that the Department seeks to address the current health crisis on affected areas and vulnerable communities, and these include the informal settler families (ISFs).

“Now is not a good time to pursue on the demolition and eviction activities set by our LGUs; thus, we are calling them to resume these activities only when the State of Calamity is already lifted,” said RD Agabe.

 As per DILG Memorandum No. 2020-068, it is expected that notification of postponement shall be released to affected communities stating the date of resumption of demolition and/or eviction, provided that these activities are compliant with existing rules and regulations.

 These are applicable to those areas classified for eviction and demolition under Section 28(a) of Urban Development and Housing Act (UDHA), otherwise those “persons or entities occupying danger areas such as esteros, railroad tracks, garbage dumps, riverbanks, shorelines, waterways, and other public places such as sidewalks, roads, parks, and playgrounds.”

 However, select residences, qualified under Section 28(b) of UDHA, shall be allowed for eviction and demolition if this will be crucial in the general objectives of the “Bayanihan to Heal as One Act”. These demolitions are for the purpose when government infrastructure projects with available funding are about to be implemented.

 “Should the LGUs undergo demolition and eviction to identified areas, they must ensure that before they do such, interim shelter facilities are already made available for the affected communities,” said RD Agabe.

 He added that appropriate financial assistance, relief, and other basic services must also be provided by the LGUs.