Wednesday, January 10, 2007 Gov't told to inform PB on railway settlers' status By Reynaldo G. Navales
MABALACAT -- Pampanga First District Board Member Tarcicio Halili has asked concerned government agencies anew to notify the Provincial Board (PB) about the status of railroad track residents affected by the ongoing North Luzon Railway (NorthRail) project.
Despite an earlier agreement, Halili said concerned government agencies like the National Housing Authority (NHA), the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC), and NorthRail Corporation failed to provide information regarding the relocation of the affected families.
He said the PB was assured of a regular report regarding the progress of the relocation project, particularly the site and other terms and conditions on the lot that will be awarded to the settlers. He said the PB learned that the relocation site for Mabalacat residents was already negotiated, purchased, and allotted to the beneficiaries without informing the province's legislative body.
"Up to the present time, the PB and the affected residents are not yet aware on the extent of the project and the areas to be affected particularly sitios at the Dau 'Checkpoint Area' which covers several sitios," he said.
The sitios, according to Halili, are beyond the 15-meter easement on the property of the Philippine National Railways Corporation (PNR).
"People in this area (railways) are at a loss if their existing houses would be affected or not in the absence of concrete and final development plan," he said.
The board member said he will file another resolution requesting the agencies to provide a regular update on the project.
In PB Resolution 465, which was sponsored by Halili, it was agreed that the PB will regularly be informed about the project specifically on the timetables, terms, as well as a total development plan.
