The Problem in Relocations

Philippine authorities are presently relocating people from their homes for flood control purposes, construction of railways and terminals and other legitimate reasons. Majority of those facing relocations are squatters. Their former homes are rendered illegal and pose a threat to themselves and to other people. Shanties and makeshift houses have been built along canals and rivers. Recent strong typhoons that visited the country have caused massive floodings and took away lives and destroyed properties and infrastructures. Now, the Philippine government is leading the way in clearing out the shanties and other illegal constructions built along areas not designed for residential habitations. But a major problem arises when the government is unprepared to provide relocation areas complete with habitable houses that will make these people live with dignity and respect. Some relocation areas have houses that have no running water or electricity. No jobs are waiting for these relocated residents in their new place. There are no schools for their children nor parks and other amenities that will qualify these relocation areas as communities. It's no wonder why violence and stiff resistance to move out are exhibited by these poor people. Recently, it was reported that three residents were killed in the ensuing violence that capped a demolition activity by authorities in a Baclaran mosque to clear out illegal constructions. This area is being prepared for the construction of a transport terminal. What happened was a serious clash between resisting residents and the demolition team protected by policemen as they destroyed the makeshift residences of these people. In this country where the class division between the haves and the have-nots is so obvious, the government has paid lip service to the phrase "service to the people". The poor and the people living in squatters have been given the run-around. They are not given fair treatment in the area of governance. And to think that Filipinos live in a democracy where the government is supposed to be "for the people, by the people and of the people". In effect, people should not suffer, even in relocations.