Mandaue official admits political risks of Mahiga demolition
Evicting informal settlers from the Mandaue City side of the Mahiga Creek may have a political backlash on Mayor Jonas Cortes and barangay Subangdaku chief Ernie Manatad.
Manatad admitted this to Cebu Daily News, saying this would not be good to their political career.
“It will definitely affect us in the coming election, but it is beyond my decision and the mayor’s decision – their demolition is a call of time,” he explained.
The village chief said 400-500 houses in the Mandaue side of the Mahiga Creek may have to be demolished.
“Some (residents) are our local political supporters. But we’re trying to do what is best for everybody,” he added.
Removing them from the bank of the creek is for their safety and as flood mitigation, as structures obstruct the flow of water, causing overflow during heavy rains.
“Wala mi nag-lisud lisud sa mga taw diri aron lang i-demolish sila [Our intention in demolishing their houses is not to cause them hardships] but we are putting them into a better situation. What we are doing is not easy,” he said.
Two weeks ago, around 300 houses in sitio Mahayag were demolished.
The city’s demolition team would move to sitio Mahusay, fronting sitio Mahayag.
“I can’t expect that they will accept the demolition with a smile, of course they are worried and sad but at least we’ve informed them earlier,” said Manatad who personally met with sitio Mahusay residents last Oct. 13.
The 162 houses in sitio Mahusay have been identified for demolition as they were located in the creek’s easement zone.
Those evicted have been given P10, 000 financial assistance and a home lot in the city’s 6.5-hectare relocation site in barangay Paknaan.
Aside from sitios Mahusay and Mahayag, Mahiga settlers in sitios Marna, Sapa-Sapa 1 and 2 are also set for demolition.
“I hope the next leaders of Mandaue City and barangay Subangdaku will value what we have done, demolishing the informal settlers requires a strong political will,” he said.
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