POLIBIZ
Squatters for sale?
An abandoned government lot originally intended for the construction of the new Iloilo City Hall is now a haven for squatters who sprouted like mushrooms in Brgy. San Pedro, Molo, after its groundbreaking sometime in September 2000.
No less than Ilongga Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago attended the affair as the guest of honor. Miriam had earmarked an initial amount of 20 million for the project under the then administration of Mayor Mansueto Malabor.
Miriam was dreaming something big for the Ilonggos and for the City of Iloilo hence the proposed construction of the P250 million worth three-story edifice at the 1,800 square meters area in the said barangay.
Just weeks after the groundbreaking the contractor conducted pile driving on the site. Several concrete piles were constructed on its initial stage. Unknown to us the materials were maid of inferior qualities which prompted then Councilor Perla Zulueta to deliver a special privilege speech exposing the alleged irregularity.
Perla, a principled public servant has been known for her stand in fighting graft and corruption even within her circle of political friends and foes.
For strange reason the issue died a natural death until the end of the Malabor era.
When honorable Mayor Jerry Treñas took the helm in 2001, the plan for the construction of the City Hall was never his priority, instead the former focused on cleaning and greening physically his turf. Jerry’s efforts had paid off after the city won for two consecutive years as Cleanest and Greenest City in region VI since 2005.
Middle of last year, however, the call for the need of constructing anew City Hall edifice was resurrected based on the public pulse.
This time, Jerry took a pause for awhile and seriously considered the idea as valid and trivial to the economic development in the city not to mention the world famous tourist come-on Dinagyang Festival, year after year.
Jerry wanted the City Hall of the Future edifice constructed right on its present old site other than for sentimental reason, but also due to practicability.
Reportedly, the construction of the City Hall of the Future with a total cost of P350M will commence this year and expected operational prior to the end of Jerry’s term.
Jerry was on the right track. Why spend unnecessary expenses looking for a new site somewhere when you can build it right in your own backyard?
Meanwhile, squatters occupying the abandoned government lot in Brgy. San Pedro, Molo District can enjoy their squatting for not paying anything. Their only obligation is to stay loyal to their “masters” by submitting to their orders when election time comes. Their precious votes are their only passports for their existence in the land they never own.
Honestly occupants of this abandoned government lot are not to be blamed themselves. They are more preoccupied with their will to survive in this asphalt jungle hence they are vulnerable to exploitation by the politicians.
Partly, the squatters should be thankful to Mayor Jerry Treñas for his tolerance in keeping the squatters stay foot, but until when? Only the result of the 2007 political exercise can tell.
(Email: roblesnelson@yahoo.com)