In line with “Urban Poor Solidarity Week”, Senator Bam Aquino welcomes members of the Urban Poor Associates (UPA), led by president Celia Santos, to the Senate.  One of Senator Aquino’s bills is Senate Bill No. 1874, which aims to strengthen Republic Act No. 7279 or the Urban Development and Housing Act, to ensure that the urban poor are protected against unjust evictions and demolitions.

In celebration of the “Urban Poor Solidarity Week”, Senator Bam Aquino renews his call for the passage of his measure that will protect the urban poor against harsh evictions and the unjust demolition of their homes.

Aquino’s Senate Bill No. 1874 aims to strengthen Republic Act No. 7279, or the Urban Development and Housing Act (UDHA), to ensure the protection of the rights of the urban poor sector under the 1987 Constitution.

“With this measure, the urban poor will be protected against unjust evictions and demolitions,” Sen. Bam emphasized.

The bill calls for the fulfillment of all requirements under Section 28 of RA 7279 before an eviction or demolition can be effected.

“If relocation is needed, housing beneficiaries should be relocated near their former homes, where they have access not only to basic services but also to jobs and livelihood that will give them the means to raise themselves and their families out of poverty,” the senator said.

Aquino believes that the bill will help the Philippine government in its push for inclusive growth.

Aside from this, the bill also provides that consultation must be effectively done with the active participation of affected communities, particularly in the identification and approval of relocation sites.