Plight of informal settlers concerns Tulfo in case ‘Big One’ happens

by Daniza FernanDez Inquirer.net

MANILA — Senator Raffy Tulfo expressed concern on Tuesday, February 14 over the plight of informal settlers, should the “Big One” jolt Metro Manila.

The “Big One” refers to a scenario in which a magnitude 7.2 earthquake occurs in the capital region.

During the Senate committee on public works hearing on the structural integrity of buildings and infrastructures, Tulfo asked the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) if they inspected the homes of informal settlers.

DPWH Undersecretary Maximo Carvajal answered: “Ang mandato po kasi ng Department of Public Works and Highways ay ang mga public buildings po. ‘Yung mga private po, ang incharge po diyan, ‘yung mga building officials ng mga

LGU (local government units) po.”

(The DPWH’s mandate covers public buildings. LGUs’ building officials are in charge of private structures.)

Tulfo then lamented the potential situation of informal settlers during disasters.

“Kasi concerned ako. I have so many experience pagdating po sa mga tirahan ng mga informal settlers natin, dikit-dikit at wala