|
Sunday, February 23, 2003
PPMO can pardon loans for homes, not for lots
By Albert B. Lacanlale
SAN FERNANDO -- "We could condone the loans used in constructing houses but not the loans for the NHA (National Housing Authority) lots."
This was according to Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council-Pinatubo Project Management Office (HUDCC-PPMO) resettlement administrator Jesus Luis A. Guisadio Friday in connection with the request of the 256 families, who are residing at the Telapayong-NHA resettlement site in Barangay Telapayong, Arayat.
The families, who are members of the Association of Cabalantian Evacuees Multi-Purpose Cooperative (ACE) from Cabalantian, Bacolor are asking the government to award them the lots and houses they occupy "gratis" or for free.
Reports revealed that 231 of the 256 families, led by ACE chair Jose Laxa, were each given lots inside the resettlement site, P10,000 and P20,000 loans from the Department of Social Welfare and Development and HUDCC-PPMO, respectively.
Payments for the NHA lots are scheduled in a 25 years to pay scheme, it was learned.
However, the beneficiaries have asked the HUDCC for the condonation of their loans as they stressed that President Arroyo, in an earlier announcement, ordered that the house and lots being occupied by Pinatubo victims in various resettlement areas be awarded for free.
"Kami pong nakatira na dito sa NHA-Telapayong ay dapat din pong makakuha ng kaparehong pribilehiyo na sa tulong na rin ng inyong pamunuan gaya ng mga nabanggit sapagkat kami po ay biktima rin ng lahar," ACE said in its letter to HUDCC secretary Michael Defensor.
The group's stand found an ally when the Municipal Council of Bacolor approved a resolution urging the President to effect the condonation.
Mayor Romeo "Buddy" Dungca Jr., in a separate interview, also expressed support to the groups saying the families cannot afford to pay the loans.
However, Guisadio clarified they could only condone each of the families' P20,000 loan from PPMO. "The loans from the DSWD and NHA are beyond our mandate," he said.
"I, for one, would propose to (PPMO) Executive Director (Deinrado Simon) Dimalibot that the amount they owe PPMO be absolved," he added.
(February 22, 2003 issue)
Want Sun.Star news on your mobile phone? Click here.
|
|
[ return
to top ]
[ home
]
|
LOCAL NEWS
BUSINESS
OPINION
SPORTS
LIFESTYLE
FEATURE
|
