MMDA told: No 30-day notice, no demolition
Wednesday, October 28th, 2009
THE SUPREME COURT Yesterday said its December 2008 order directing government agencies to clean up Manila Bay didn’t authorize the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to evict illegal settlers without first giving them prior notice.
“While the MMDA’s zeal in improving the state of Manila’s drainage system and water bodies is laudable, this endeavor cannot go against the rights of those whose dwellings are in danger of being torn down,” the high court clarified.
The court resolution was prompted by a motion filed by an urban poor group which asked the court to clarify the MMDA’s authority to tear down illegal structures along waterways.
