For the second time, the Cebu City executive department rejected the ordinance that provides for a one-year moratorium on demolitions in the city.
Acting Mayor Edgardo Labella vetoed the ordinance because it violates the Urban Development and Housing Act (UDHA) , or the Republic Act 7279, which allows eviction or demolition in situations where persons or entities occupy danger areas like esteros, dumpsites, river banks, waterways and other public places.
Labella, in his veto message, said that the Dizon ordinance would seem to allow the people to occupy and build structures in danger zones and public areas even if would violate the UDHA law.
The ordinance, authored by Councilor Alvin Dizon, was passed last year and was vetoed by Mayor Michael Rama. The council failed to override the veto.
During Rama’s suspension, the measure was reintroduced to the council, underwent public hearing and was passed again.
Labella told reporter that he rejected the ordinance with a heavy heart but “national laws must always prevail over local ordinances.”
But Dizon insisted that the ordinance would not only benefit the informal settlers but the city as well because it would give the city government time to find better relocation sites for displaced families.