SENATOR LEILA M. DE LIMA has filed a resolution calling for an inquiry 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, filed on Oct. 30, urges the appropriate Senate committee to look into the impending displacement of around 180,000 families due to the P23 billion North Luzon Expressway-South Luzon Expressway (NLEx-SLEx) Connector Road Project and the P171 billion North-South Commuter Railway project.
“Mega-infrastructure projects such as these rarely, if at all, mention the social costs of these endeavors, particularly the physical and economic displacement of thousands of people just to give way for their construction in Metro Manila’s densely populated area,” the senator said in a statement on Sunday.
Ms. De Lima said the two construction projects will result in the demolition of houses in at least 38 barangays in Metro Manila, including those housing small businesses. Thousands are reportedly to be relocated in inaccessible sites, she added.
She also warned that improper displacement and relocation would worsen economic and social problems. Some residents in Sampaloc, Manila have alleged lack of consultation in right-of-way negotiations, according to the senator.
“There is a need to closely scrutinize the plan of our government agencies with respect to urban development regarding these projects and give due consideration and proper recognition to the individuals and families who stand to be uprooted,” she said.
Ms. De Lima also urged the government to make changes in its National Resettlement Policy Framework and operationalize it through an executive order or a law that would set up a clear road map to address gaps in the “no relocation, no demolition” policy.
The NLEx-SLEx connector road is an eight-kilometer road to be built above the tracks of the Philippine National Railways (PNR) from C3 Road in Caloocan City to Polytechnic University of the Philippines in Sta. Mesa, Manila.
Meanwhile, the North-South Commuter Railway project, which is also called PNR North 1, is a 37.9-kilometer railway connecting Malolos, Bulacan to Tutuban, Manila.
Both projects are in pre-construction phase. — Camille A. Aguinaldo
