MikeLigalig.com

More than 126,230 families living in almost subhuman environment, especially those along esteros, dump sites and other danger zones in Metro Manila, may soon finally enjoy the amenities of "decent, humane and safe" living conditions.

House Speaker Prospero Nograles said he has strongly endorsed the plenary approval of a substitute bill (to the original House Bill 2596), approved by the Committee on Housing and Urban Development chaired by Rep. Rodolfo Valencia, providing for the setting up of not less than P3 billion in funds to ensure a humane living environment for the urban poor.

"This multibillion-peso program, which could not be less than P3 billion in three years and collectively initiated by Metro Manila lawmakers led by Manila Rep. Amado Bagatsing, has become more imperative in wake of the perennial problems and tragedies that lurk every rainy season made worse by the economic crisis," he said.

Nograles said the Oriental Mindoro lawmaker's judicious act mirrors the House leadership’s determination to "put in place long-term programs and permanent solutions to alleviate the sad plight of our people in depressed areas."

The approved substitute bill is entitled "An Act providing for the resettlement, aid and rehabilitation services for the underprivileged and homeless citizens affected in the demolition or houses/dwellings along danger areas such as esteros, garbage dumps, riverbanks, shorelines, waterways, and other places like sidewalks, roads, parks and playgrounds as well as the victims of disasters and calamities and those affected by government infrastructure projects in Metro Manila and for other purposes."  - PNA