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Friday, December 28, 2007
Guv hit for 'inaction' in Lubao demolition
By Marna H. Dagumboy
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Scores of farmers staged a protest rally at the Pampanga Capitol Thursday, blaming Governor Eddie Panlilio for his alleged inaction to stop the demolition of some 2,500 houses in Barangay Prado Siongco in Lubao town.
Sto. Niño Lubao Farmers Association (SNLFA) spokesperson Janet Flores said the Mercantile Insurance Company (MIC), which allegedly owns 207 hectares of land in the area, started demolishing their houses last December 18.
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Flores said her group had sought the assistance of Panlilio to mediate between the residents and the MIC. But their pleas, according to her, fell into deaf ears.
This prompted them to stage a rally here to ask for the Provincial Government's action on their ordeal.
"Our houses were demolished for how many days already. We asked help from Governor Panlilio but they have not done anything, which is why we are forced to stage a rally here. If not for Mayor (Dennis) Pineda's plea, they would not stop the demolition of our houses," Flores added.
It was learned that Pineda had coordinated with the MIC and the National Housing Authority (NHA) for the acquisition of some 10 hectares of land for his affected constituents.
Meanwhile, provincial legal officer Maria Elissa Velez told Sun.Star Pampanga that the Office of the Governor had already talked with MIC's legal counsel, Roberto Neri, asking him to extend the demolition date until after January 10 next year.
Velez said the Provincial Government had also asked Neri to lessen the "counter bond" amounting to P1 million, which was posted by the MIC during their previous hearing.
The farmers also asked for a scheduled dialogue with Panlilio and Vice Governor Joseller "Yeng" Guiao before their arraignment on January 10.
The governor was in Macabebe town during the rally.
Last December 18, MIC started demolishing more than 2,500 houses in the area. The demolition was suspended upon Pineda's intervention and the filing of a motion for reconsideration in court. (Sun.Star Pampanga/Sunnex)
For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star Davao. (December 28, 2007 issue)
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