THE House ad hoc subcommittee on Smokey Mountain Development and Reclamation this week conducted a hearing on the long-standing dispute involving the Smokey Mountain Development and Reclamation Project to determine whether a settlement to the prolonged dispute was possible.
Rep. Rodel Batocabe (Party-list, Ako Bicol), ad hoc subcommittee chairman, explained during the hearing the body had been tasked to conduct a review, in aid of legislation, of the Smokey Mountain controversy and determine whether a settlement among the parties to the prolonged dispute could be arrived at.
In a press statement, Batocabe mentioned the National Housing Authority, Home Guarantee Corp., R-II Builders Inc., and the Commission on Audit as among the parties to the dispute.
Batocabe said the ad hoc panel conducted seven hearings on the Smokey Mountain project during the previous Congress and came up with several findings and recommendations, which it submitted to the mother committee, the Committee on Housing and Urban Development.
First, an amicable settlement of the controversy must not be an option but an urgent necessity considering the public interest involved, said Batocabe.
Litigation is no longer a viable option, taking into account the endless lawsuits, expenses, and time wasted by the parties, said Batocabe.
“Amicable settlement is the most viable option, provided that it is validated by the CoA and considered advantageous to the government,” said Batocabe.
Second, the ad hoc body directed the CoA to take a more active role in the resolution of the dispute, by providing recommendations that can help achieve an amicable settlement.
“The ad hoc committee directed the CoA to not only audit the property and validate the documents submitted by the parties but give judicious recommendations that can help achieve the objectives of settlement,” Batocabe explained.
Third, the ad hoc committee underscored that the main function of the Home Guarantee Corp. is not to develop, manage, or operate its acquired assets but to dispose of its properties the soonest in order to ensure its liquidity and thereby provide guarantee.
Rep. Manuel Luis Lopez (1st District, Manila) said that although he lauded the housing project for the Smokey Mountain residents, he highlighted the need for providing them with livelihood programs.