KARAPATAN National Capital Region 2009 ESCR Documentation

A. RIGHT TO WORK AND ENJOY JUST AND FAVORABLE WORKING CONDITIONS

1. BLUESTAR MANUFACTURING (ADVAN SHOES AND RAINBOOTS) WORKERS:

The company started its operation on May 20, 1990. It is owned and managed by Mr. Jimmy Ong, a 50+ year old Filipino-Chinese. Bluestar Marketing and Manufacturing Corporation is the maker of Advan casual shoes and rainboots brand. It distributes its products locally. Among the biggest buyer of its products is the SM shopping mall. The workers estimated the production output of rainboots at 2,700 pairs per day and the shoes at 5,400 pairs/day.

Most number of the workers in the company are women. In the previous years, women workers comprise 85% of the total workforce. They were mostly assigned as sewers and cutters. In the 19 years of operation of the company, the major problems faced by the workers are union busting, sexual harassment of women workers, unkind treatment, low wages, forced leaves, and other kinds of trade union repression.

Bleustar Worker’s Labor Union represents the workers.

SPECIFIC DETAILS OF VIOLATIONS:

Union Busting

Since the operation of the company started, three attempts to form a union failed. The first two attempts failed because the union leaders were corrupted by the management, thereby destroying the union. The third attempt was in 2006. Company management reacted by persecuting all known union leaders, giving them very difficult assignments until they were forced to resign. The remaining workers were warned that the factory will close-down if they continue to form a union.

Prodded by years of sexual harassment by the owner himself, the workers attempted for the fourth time to form a union and was successful. The Bleustar Workers Labor Union (BWLU) was registered under the Bureau of Labour Relations (BLR) of the Deparment of Labour and Employment (DOLE) on October 2, 2007. The management attempted to bust the union by petitioning for the cancellation of the union’s recognition, charging its President and Secretary with Perjury, but failed.

The union filed for a Petition for Certification Election (CE) which was granted and scheduled on July 25, 2008. But on July 12 2008, 13 days before the CE, the Management attempted a “runaway shop”. This was thwarted by the union by barricading the plant gates and laying on the ground. Unionists involved in this incident were retrenched a day before the CE, and their votes were segregated with the approval of DOLE, rendering the CE a failure. On August 5 2008, the union staged a strike on the basis of union busting and unfair labor practice.

The strike ended on September 22 2008, with a Memorandum of Agreement signed by the Management and the union, in the presence of DOLE Commissioner Ortiguerra, settling the issue of union recognition to wit: “(3) Union recognition to represent all rank and file employees except CBA negotiation which shall start in March 2009 to be manifested before the Med-Arbiter DOLE-NCR”. Furthermore, the MOA was rendered final and executory by the NLRC with the release of its Notice of Resolution (September 30, 2008) and Entry of Judgement (January 5, 2009).

To date, none of the MOA provisions have been implemented except for the return-to-work of the 43 terminated union officers and members. Management refused to recognize the union and commence with the CBA, demanding that the union present a Certificate of Sole and Exclusive Bargaining Agent/Unit (SEBA/SEBU) from the DOLE. The DOLE National Capital Region in turn, refused to give the said Certificate to the union saying that the union did not comply with the requirements for Voluntary Recognition (according to the Labor Code), and instead ruled that the segregated votes of the bogus CE be opened.

These moves by both the Management and DOLE refuse to honor the provisions of the MOA, and renders the whole struggle of the union a failure by reducing the issue to legal requirements. Both Management and DOLE refuse to accept that the BWLU struggle for union recognition suceeded not through the regular and legal process but through a strike. In effect, both Management and DOLE are in cahoots in busting the union.

Sexual Harassment of Women Workers

Sexual harassment of women workers by the owner himself, Mr. Jimmy Ong, started since 1993. Most of the time, Mr. Ong arrived at the factory drunk. He would then come close to a women worker he likes and start to touch the sensitive parts of the worker’s body (Breast, genitals, butt). Sometimes he would kiss the worker on the lips, or make her sit on his lap, or show off his penis to his victim and order her to hold it. He also invites some women workers to one-night stands.

For years, women workers suffered under these conditions, they were afraid and traumatized. According to Ms. Gloria Bongon, the union President and one of the victims herself, women workers make themselves inconspicuous to avoid being noticed and harassed by Mr. Ong. Victims of sexual harassment cannot do anything but cry after being abused by Mr. Ong. Some supervisors even insulted the workers by saying: “ Ihilamos o iligo mo lang yan! Tanggal yan!” (Just wash your face or take a bath and it will be gone). Out of fear, inferiority, and lacking knowledge on their rights, women workers remain silent until the establishment of their union.

Inhumane Treatment, Low and delayed salaries, Forced Leaves and other Unfair Labor Practices

Workers also suffered inhumane treatment in the factory. According to Rogelio Padilla, union Secretary, their employer’s word is absolute. When he says that he do not want to see a certain worker in the factory, the worker should stay out or get out. The supervisors just seconded this command by telling the worker to stay out and come back when the employer is out.

Most of the rank-and-file workers of Bleustar were employed since 1990, earning a salary of P382.00 for a shift of 8 hours (Casual workers earn a hundred peso below the minimum wage on the same shift.) They get cheated out of their overtime pay, night differentials and holiday pay because of wrong computation by the management. The workers repeatedly complained about these, but their demand has always been denied by the management.

All workers were subjected to forced leaves of three to four (3-4) days after six (6) days of work.
Yearly bonuses has been delayed by two years already, 2007 and 2008.

Workers’ salaries are always delayed after the strike. The longest delay was 12 days. Payment of workers’ benefits such as SSS (social security) and PAG-IBIG (housing loan) are also delayed by as long as 3 months.

Union members suffer difficulties, discrimination and abuse, as they are slapped with disciplinary action whenever they protest the above-said conditions inside or outside the factory. Recently, there were 53 union members and officers who were given 3-10 days suspension; some of them are still suspended as this report is being written.

The Union returns to the picket lines to assert its right to be recognized and to hold a CBA with the Management. Last September 4, 2009 the union filed a Notice of Strike with the National Conciliation and Mediation Board; and on September 9, 2009, union members voted YES to a Strike Vote Referendum.

2. TRIUMPH INTERNATIONAL WORKERS.

Triumph International was founded 1886 by the German families Spiesshofer and Braun and is owned by these families till today. The company’s headquarters is located in Bad Zurzach, Switzerland. Triumph International is one of the world leading companies for lingerie. It sells its core brand products (Triumph®, sloggi®, Valisère® und HOM®) in more than 120 countries, and in 1650 Triumph stores (self-owned, franchise or partner-store). Triumph has worldwide over 44`500 employees and had in 2008 a turnover of 2.37 billion Swiss Francs. According to the annual report of the company, the best business markets are Japan, Germany, Italy and the UK. The Indian, Russian, South African and Central European markets as well as especially the Asian subsidiaries developed satisfactory in 2008. According to the self-declaration of Triumph in a survey conducted by the Clean Clothes Campaign in 2007/2008, the company owns approx. 60% of the production sites in its supply chain. The concerned subsidiaries of this complaint in Thailand and the Philippines are 100% owned by Triumph International.

Bagong Pagkakaisa ng Manggagawa sa Triumph International (BPMTI) or New Unity of Workers in Triumph International was duly registered on 1977, organized at Bagsakan Road, FTI Complex, Taguig City with registration number NCR-UR-8-389-89. BPMTI has 857 members. Isabelita dela Cruz, President of BPMTI represents the whole workers of Triumph International Philippines Incorporated.

SPECIFIC DETAILS OF VIOLATIONS

UNION BUSTING

Triumph International retrenched the whole membership of the union and all the officers of the union last June 27, 2009 during the declaration of the company to closed two production centers; Triumph International Philippines Incorporated and Star Performance Incorporated. As a result, it has weakened the union and all the hard won victories of the workers through the union’s resolve were taken away. This is under the Triumph International Global Restructuring Program. Triumph International also laid off 1959 workers in Thailand and majority of their union members.

SUBCONTRACTING

Triumph International offered subcontracting jobs to the workers after they have accepted the severance pay from the Triumph International management.

VIOLENT DISPERSAL OF PICKET LINE

Series of violent dispersal of worker’s strikes and picket since the union’s establishment. Recently, on May 29-June 1, 2009, tens of elements of the Food Terminal Incorporated Policemen (FTI police) with Philippine National Police assistance brutally destroyed the workers picket protest against the massive relocation of raw materials to China and Vietnam. Until now, harassment and threat against the workers’ protest continue.

UNFAIR LABOR PRACTICES AGAINST JOURNAL EMPLOYEES

3. JOURNAL EMPLOYEES UNION

Journal Employees Union (JEU) is a duly registered employees union under Philippine Law, and is registered on 1986, with Registration No. BLR-900108, and currently holds office at the Journal Building, Railroad St., Port Area, Manila City. The Union?s Treasurer, Mr. Gerardo Serue represents the entire workers of the Philippine Journalist Inc.

SPECIFIC DETAILS OF VIOLATIONS

UNION BUSTING

In March 30, 2000, the Journal Employees Union (JEU), during a Collective Bargaining Aggreement (CBA) deadlock, with the Philippine Journalist Inc. (PJI), the PJI Management retrenched 300 employees. As result, this enfeeble the union and divided the employees resolve to fight for their just rights, as the PJI Management then offered severance pay to all retrenched. Of the 300 retrenched employees, on April 1, 2000, the PJI rehired 140 employees on the condition that the emplyoyees will receive only half of their salary rate prior to retrenchment. Of the 140 rehired employees, 29 employees and 50 other employees filed a petition before the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) pertaining to the unjust wage cut. On December 5, 2006, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the 29 employees and the 50 other employees. Almost three years have passed but the PJI continuously refuse to implement this decision.

VIOLATIONS OF CBA PROVISIONS

PJI Management continue to withhold retirement compensations, and allowances for rice and meal.

Retirement benefits of retired employees are being denied by the PJI Management to employees who have reached company’s retirement age of 60, or those who have already rendered 30 or more years of service.

Two employees, have already died waiting for their retirement compensations, namely Mr. Roger Roldan and Romeo Carate. Another retired employee, Mrs. Josephine Gayona, is now physically incapacitated and is bed-ridden, but is still waiting for her earned compensations. The PJI Management on the other hand, offered to rehire employees of retirable age, as in the case of Mr. Gelacio Flores, who have served the company for 30 years, and thus elligible for retirement. Mr. Flores is still working at the PJI, after he opted to be rehired due to financial constraints and due to fear of not be able to get hold of his retirement benefits.

Rice allowances of employees amounting to P2,000 per quarter/ employee were not given, abruptly and without notice, since last quarter of 2007 up to the present. Meanwhile, meal allowances amounting to P1,000 monthly were not given since January 2008 to present. Union dues are also being withhold by the PJI Management.

UNIONS DUES ARE ALSO BEING WITHHOLD BY THE PJI MANAGEMENT, AS WELL AS EMPLOYEES' DUES TO THE SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM (SSS), PAG-IBIG FUND AND PHILHEALTH.

Because of all these violations of the PJI Management under the CBA with the JEU, employees continue to suffer from undue hardships and privations.

NON-IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS COMMISSION (NLRC) AND SUPREME COURT DECISION

The PJI Management have long been refusing to implement decisions of the NLRC and the Supreme Court pertaining to: 1) 2006 Supreme Court Decision on the reinstatement of the 29 dismissed employees and award them of full backwages, as well as pay 50 other employees all their unpaid salaries; 2) 1996 NLRC Decision Decision to award employees all their unpaid salaries that were incurred due to non-abeyance to the government mandated wage increases as per Wage Order #1 and #2.

Note: Congressman Ferdinand martin Romualdez, son of the owner of the PJI, admitted in public that he himself paid for the much critized and publicized dinner of the Philippine government delagation in the U.S. (amounting to US$20,000 or equivalent to PhP1,000,000).


4. UNFAIR LABOR PRACTICES AND UNION BUSTING TO THE GOLDILOCKS ANT-BEL WORKERS

Goldilocks Ant-Bel Workers Association CASE. GAWA was duly registered on November 17, 2008, organized at 2262B Interior 2, Leveriza Street, Malate, Manila with registration number NCR-MFO-UR-11-001-2008. GAWA has 15 union members. Nonato Y. Belen, president of GAWA represents the whole workers of Ant-Bel Marketing Incorporated, a franchise holder of Goldilocks Bakeshop Incorporated.

SPECIFIC DETAILS of VIOLATIONS

UNION BUSTING.

On November 19, GAWA filed a Petition for Certification of Election. To preempt the union recognition, Ant-Bel management illegally closed its operation in Harrison Plaza on December 1, 2008 and subsequently filed a comment on the Petition for Certification of Election of GAWA praying for the dismissal of the said petition on December 2, 2008. The management had further gave statement that 'bubuksan lang ang Goldilocks Harrison Plaza kung walang union' (Goldilocks Harrison Plaza will only re-open if there will be no union).

On the other hand, the Petition for Certification of Election was granted by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on December 19, 2008. But, Ant-Bel management filed a Motion for Reconsideration against the December 19, 2008 Order of the Labor Department granting the Certification of Election and to cancel the January 14, 2009 Pre-election conference on the ground that there was no Employer-unit as of December 1, 2008 where the issue of representation no longer exist. On February 10, 2009, GAWA won the Certification of Election with unanimous decision.

GAWA officially filed a complaint for unfair labor practice, illegal dismissal, moral and exemplary damages and attorney?s fees before the National Labor Relations Commission-National Capital Region (NLRC-NCR) on January 5, 2009. On July 2, 2009, the NLRC-NCR declared that Ant-Bel Marketing Incorporated /Juliana Belen T. Martel and Ophelia Clemente guilty of unfair labor practice in the dismissal of complainants.

Until now, the management refuses to execute the order of the NLRC-NCR instead filed an appeal to dismiss the July 22, 2009 decision to the NLRC-NCR Commissioner’s Office.

B. RIGHT TO ADEQUATE HOUSING

1. PHILIPPINE NATIONAL RAILWAYS MUNTINLUPA AREA

On April 27-30, more than 1700 men hired by the National Housing Authority in collaboration with 300 armed members of Philippine National Police forcedly and brutally demolished the houses of urban poor communities in Barangays Sucat, Buli, Cupang and Alabang, Muntinlupa City. More than 960 families were affected and left homeless.

These families were deprived and disqualified by the National Housing Authority of their right to decent housing. Out of the 10 555 affected families of the Philippine National Railways Modernization and Rehabilitation Program of the National Government, only 7000 families were provided relocation in Southville III, New Bilibid Prison Reservation Area, Baranggay Poblacion, Muntinlupa City. Some of the disqualified families were given the amount of P 2500 by the local government of Muntinlupa.

Continues violations rise as the Philippine National Railways authorities and Philippine National Police conduct clearing operations from the month of May and until now. One of the most brutal incidents happened on May 25, when the Arroyo government once again used fascist and brute force in dismantling the kubol-kubol or temporary shelter of the homeless families of Muntinlupa City Philippine National Railways Site. Hired demolition teams and members of the Philippine National Police showed no mercy in the midst of children and mothers crying calling to stop the dismantling of their kubol-kubol or make shift tents.

The fascist demolition team was ordered by their commander in chief to seize all properties of the victims. They smashed the kubol-kubol and took away all the materials including tents or tolda, plywoods, woods, cooking untensils and even small pieces of properties of the victims. Only few materials were left as they want to ensure that the victims will not build their kubol-kubol once again.

Because of these incidents, the homeless strive to build their own organization, BAYAN MARALITA and affiliated to the largest alliance of urban poor organizations KADAMAY. They lobbied and trooped to the National Housing Authority but the agency refused to give them housing or even shelter to temporarily live. On the other hand, the local government keeps on promising them a portion of lot in the National Bilibid Prison Reservation Area but no actual solution to the problems yet.

Right now, the homeless continue their campaign for livelihood and decent housing.

2. ROAD 10 (R10) DEMOLITION)

Authorities Involved: Metro Manila Development Authority
The MMDA demolition project along R10 started on the first quarter of 2009. On the first week of February 2009, MMDA personnel started the clearing operations and were able to demolished 5 houses at the Tondo-Moriones Area. They used mallets in smashing the houses of the urban poor families.
February 10. Office of Congressman Atong Asilo called for a mass meeting with affected residents. More than 100 people attended from Barangay 123 near Moriones Street and from 4 barangays (29, 30, 39 and 44) including their respective chairman. Director Franco of MMDA was present in the mass meeting. The military deployed at Brgy. 123 were also active during the mass meeting which created fear to the people who attended the said meeting.

Kadamay, a national mass organization of urban poor and has chapter in Tondo Manila, conducted series of consultation meetings with the affected residents and formulate plans to oppose the unjust demolitions of MMDA.

However, after the mass dialogue, MMDA did not stop its clearing operations. MMDA operatives threatened the people and forced them to self demolish their houses and the MMDA was successful to wipe out more than 60 houses.

KADAMAY and the residents urgently plan to negotiate and formed a barricade along R10, corner of Zaragoza St. to block the MMDA personnel of their plan for evictions. MMDA was forced to negotiate and declared temporary stop of the clearing operations.

Representative from the church was also there to support the struggle of the urban poor families.
There is no relocation offered as program by the MMDA or by the government.

3. DEMOLITION THREAT TO BUILDING II, GAWAD KALINGA.

On July 11, Barangay Council Member Bong Florez distributed a waiver to the residents of GK Building II. They said that the residents of the said building will be removed from their respective homes because of many alleged reasons such as a case of a child having meningococcemia, diseases, garbage problem, flood, crimes and drug related problems.

On July 14, a meeting was conducted at the Aroma Tenement Helping Smokey Mountain. According to the waiver distributed by the Barangay Officials ordering the residents of the said building to vacate the place because it is near to collapse. Barangay Officials asked the assistance of the National Housing Authority. There were also residents testifying that Council Member Bong Flores collected P1000 to each family giving them the guarantee that they have a place to live at Building II of Gawad Kalinga.
The alleged reasons of the Barangay Officials were not proven valid and correct.

The residents build an alliance Nagkakaisang Lakas sa Brgy105 and conducted series of delegation to the
Barangay 105 Hall and continue exposing the corrupt activities of Bong Florez.

As the investigation of the residents deepen, they found out that the real motive of the barangay officials are the iron bars worth P 400 000 that they will earn if the building will be smashed.
The residents was successful in their call to stop the eviction plan.

4. DEMOLITION THREAT, FLOODWAY PASIG CITY

Year 2000, PC Cruz and Associates (a private company) proposed the Home Along the Floodway Project to the RIZLAQUE Commission of the province of Rizal. According to the said project, a medium rise building will be built along the Manggahan Floodway and the main beneficiary of the said building are the people residing nearby the floodway and the government employees of the province. A census was conducted to the 6 700 families residing along the floodway and also series of mass meetings was conducted to inform them about the project.

October 17, 2006, President Gloria Arroyo approved the project under Presidential Proclamation 1160 or Home Along the Floodway Project. According to PP 1160, PP 458 of President Fidel Ramos is amended which formerly awards land to the residents of the Floodway through a Low Cost and Socialized Housing.
Implementing agencies of the said project are HUDCC (Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council), MMDA (Metro Manila Development Authority), DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways), LGU (Local Government Unit: Pasig City, Cainta and Taytay Rizal), DENR (Deparment of Natural Resources), PCUP (Philippine Commission on Urban Poor), NHA (National Housing Authority), and LDA (Laguna Development Authority).

2007, the demolition issue was highlighted along the Manggahan Floodway and UMALMA ((Ugnayan ng Maralita sa Manggahan Floodway) was formed, an alliance/federation of all sectoral associations and presidents of home owners associations in Barangay Sta. Lucia, Maybunga and Rosario Pasig and Cainta, Rizal. The alliance aim to stand against the demolition. They conducted series of mass meetings and film showing on the floodway project. Parallel to this, houses near the river in Barangay Rosario and Sta Lucia were demolished.

2008, the federation changed its name into PINAGKAISA (Pinagkaisang Samahan sa Manggahan Floodway) with clearer stand against the demolition.

On February 9, 2008, HUDCC USEC. Consuelo Suello, DENR, DPWH, MMDA at PCUP conducted an ocular inspection and meeting at the Floodway and clarified about the implementation of PP 1160, processes to be followed and a Geohazard Study after the meeting.

February 21, 2008, Mayor Robert "Bobby" Eusebio conducted a meeting at Brgy. Sta. Lucia, Pasig City and said that PP 1160 is not true and therefore the residents should not believe it.

However, on April 7, 2008, the residents of Phase 5 and Phase 6 of Barangay Sta. Lucia received a NOTICE OF DEMOLITION due to the project of the local government of Pasig which is the Reconstruction and Widening of Legaspi Bridge. The said project will affect more than 310 families based on the plan of the project to widen the Legaspi Bridge for an additional 10 meters and the widening of the upper part of the street for 100 meters left and right portion.

PINAGKAISA urgently negotiated with Mayor Eusebio and obliged the Mayor to explain. On April 30, the mayor once again meet the affected residents and changed the original 100 meters widening to 70 meters right and 60 meters left downsizing the affected families to 66. Some of the affected residents protested and staged a barricade to stop the demolition and delayed the implementation of the widening project and for quite some time they were able to stay.

However, on February 17, 2009, the local government was successful in clearing the 66 families and started the widening project.

On the other hand, PP 1160 is in the level of revocation based on the last meeting of MMIAC (Metro Manila Inter-Agency Committee) last September 11, 2008.

September 26, 2009, Pasig City including the Floodway Area was hit by Ondoy and the whole of the houses of Manggahan Floodway were swamped by floodwaters. After few days, President Gloria Arroyo announced the immediate evacuation of Floodway residents.

On November 19, 2009, residents of Floodway received a Notice of Voluntary Demolition from the Metro Manila Development Authority. The said notice said that the residents are given 15 days to voluntarily demolish their houses or else, MMDA will send personnel to do the demolition.

December 13, 2009, a public forum was launched at Phase 6, Barangay Sta Lucia and announced the formation of BALIKWAS-MARALITA (Bayan Laban sa Kahirapan para sa Wastong Paninindigan) because the former Federation officers and some presidents of the associations connived with the local government.

SITUATION IN THE RELOCATION SITES OFFERED BY THE GOVERNMENT

- Far from place of livelihood or no livelihood available
a. SAN JOSE, ANTIPOLO - no structure of houses built
b. CALAUAN, LAGUNA - only 1, 350 houses available and with electrical power but the occupants are only allowed to use bulb

Requirements for Housing Application: notarize application c/o NHA, cedula, affidavit of income, birth certificate, family picture and waiver not to come back to place of origin in Pasig.

From December 9, 2009 to January 15, 2010, there are estimated 300 families relocated to Calauan, Laguna.

January 8, 2010, Calauan, Laguna relocation site was visited by GMA News and interviewed about th miserable condition of the relocates: poor access of water and power supply and sanitation facilities.

C. Factsheet on the miserable conditions of the people/ residents near the shoreline of Laguna Lake-Metro Manila Area

September 26

Hundreds of thousands of residents near Laguna Lake shorelines from Muntinlupa, Taguig, Pateros, Pasig, Marikina, Cainta and Taytay Rizal and Laguna were swamped by floodwater because of heavy rainfall brought by Typhoon Ondoy. Many were evacuated to different schools, churches and areas that serve as immediate

evacuation centers.
Estimated affected people:
Metro Manila- 400 000 people
Laguna- 700 000 people

As of October 4, in the City of Muntinlupa, there were 10 486 families still in the evacuation centers. And as of today, tens of thousands of residents remain flooded as they suffer foul, filthy and unhealthy flooded communities and endure different types of disease. According to a church group Caritas, the most common diseases are flu, fever and diarrhea and skin disease.

Muntinlupa Representative Rufino Biazon filed House Resolution 1444 “to look into the current state of Laguna Lake to determine the reason and extent of water level rise that caused massive flooding” two weeks ago.

In a separate statement, ANAKPAWIS Partylist Representative Rafael Mariano called on the chamber to immediately tackle House Resolution 102, filed by the late congressman Crispin Beltran, to investigate the Laguna Lake Development Authority’s Laguna de Bay Fishpen Development Project.

On October 9

Edgar Manda of the Laguna Lake Development Authority said that at least 400,000 squatters blocking key drainage channels of Laguna Lake on the edge of Metro Manila need to be relocated to fix the flooding crisis in the metropolis.

But the statement was slammed and criticized by PAMALAKAYA-a progressive fisher folk group and said that “The forced relocation of 100,000 people is not the solution. The best thing to do is to open the NCHS, which has been closed by LLDA for years now. This is the best and most logical explanation why the water level in Laguna Lake is now at an alarming level. The situation merits the opening of NCHS and let the excess waters pass through Pasig River on its way to Manila Bay.

Pamalakaya also said that since Edgar Manda assumed the LLDA general managership, what Mr. Manda really has in mind is the forcible removal of 100,000 families along the lake so Malacanang could proceed with the reclamation of 5,000 hectares in Taguig, Pateros and Muntinlupa, where an international airport glamorized with high rise condominiums and first-class hotels will be constructed.

Recently, there has been widespread reclamation in Laguna Lake for the construction of road and dikes from Taguig to Taytay (9.8 kilometers), Bicutan to Taguig (9.5 kilometers), Sta. Rosa to Calamba City section (28 kilometers) Bay to Sta.Cruz in Laguna (32 kilometers), Siniloan to Kalayaan section (28 kilometers) and Tanay section (10 kilometers). And that the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the LLDA will proceed with the additional reclamation of lake waters in Taguig (3,000 hectares), Muntinlupa (5,000 hectares) and Los Baños in Laguna (500 hectares). (Please see related article)

IN A STATEMENT, MUNTINLUPA MAYOR ALDRIN SAN PEDRO SAID THAT FLOODWATER WILL LAST UP TO THREE MONTHS WHILE EDGAR MANDA OF LLDA SAID THAT IT WILL LAST FOR 5 MONTHS.

URGENT CALL OF THE AFFECTED FAMILIES:

1. Urgent action of the government to immediately find scientific and best ways on how to recede the water level.
2. While the flood issue has not been resolved, they call on to address the hygiene, sanitation, health concerns and for the better living conditions of the families both in the evacuation centers and those who stayed in their flooded homes.
3. They call on to suspend and review the Laguna Lake Development Project and proceed to the thorough investigation and prosecution of those who caused the alarming rise of water level in the Laguna Lake and nearby communities.
4. They call for wholesome food, clean water, free and complete medical service and urgent care for the mothers and kids.
5. They call for decent livelihood that will ensure the full rehabilitation of their families and communities.
6. In solidarity with the victims in Metro Manila and all victims of calamity and government’s neglect, they call for justice.

Lastly, the people and residents appeal to concerned citizens, organizations and institutions here and abroad in abroad to respond to their legitimate and urgent appeals. #eof#