DOJ to study Yolanda ‘no-build zones’ policy
Secretary Leila de Lima has assured parties questioning the government’s “no-build zone” in Yolanda-hit areas in Eastern Visayas that the Department of Justice will study the legality of the policy.
In a letter last March 5 to Salvador France and Peter Gonzales, vice chairmen of fisherfolk alliance Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya), De Lima said the DOJ will look into the contention of fisherfolk in affected provinces that the policy would deprive them of their economic rights.
“We duly note your observations and requests,” read the letter. “Please be informed that we are conducting a legal study on the matter.”
In a letter last February, Pamalakaya asked the DOJ to determine if the policy was illegal since it was not supported by any executive or administrative order from President Aquino.
The policy would ban fishermen and coastal people from returning to fishing villages and building settlements near the coastlines and 40 meters away from the shorelines, they added.
Pamalakaya urged the DOJ to investigate and possibly charge officials responsible for alleged incompetence and neglect of duty.
“The same policy even emboldened other local government officials to follow the path of the President and local officials of Tacloban City and Eastern Visayas,” Pamalakaya said.