Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Rep. Winston “Winnie” Castelo

A series of QC fires gutted down highly populated areas in Quezon City thereby
dislocating a significant number of victim-families whose lives, houses, and other
properties were razed by fires of often un-validated origin or cause,

‘Apparently, an emerging scenario shows some property owners, without
appropriate court order, fencing, securing or acquiring immediately after the fire the area
inhabited by informal settlers thus effectively placing them in much more humiliating
conditions of misfortune and uncertainty.

Indeed, when an area or property that used to be the place of residence to many
turban poor families will be automatically cordoned off to prevent informal settlers from
occupying them again raises serious constitutional issues worthy of review.

In this light, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought since many
urban poor families, easily in the millions might be adversely affected if and when
owners of otherwise idle, unproductive lands or property can automatically secure for
themselves the absolute Use of the same to the full detriment of a general population.

or property to his
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Under this bill, no purported owner can
exclusive use until the court has disposed of the€a
of court order.


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House BiLLNo._2824

Introduced by Rep. Winston “Winnie” Castelo

AN ACT
TO PROHIBIT PERIMETER FENCING, SECURING, AND ACQUIRING AREA OR
PROPERTY OCCUPIED BY INFORMAL SETTLERS AFTER A FIRE UNTIL CASE |S
PENDING IN COURT AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES:

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Title. ~ This Act shall be known as “Informal Settlers
Protection Act of 2011”,

SEC. 2, Declaration of Policy. ~ The State recognizes that the maintenance of
peace and order, the protection of iife, liberty and property, and the promotion of the
general welfare are essential to the enjoyment by all the people of the blessings of
democracy.

SEC, 3, Prohibition. — Any person is prohibited to fence @ perimeter over an
‘area or property inhabited by informal settlers after the same is gutted by fire or
otherwise secure and acquire it without cause until case is pending in court.

SEC. 4. Exception. — However, exceptions may be made if the owner of such
‘area or property of its purported owner can show a duly-signed court order allowing
fencing, securing, and acquiring the same.

SEC. 5 Penalties. - Any violation of this Act shall be punished accordingly by
Judgment of competent court.

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‘Act is declared unconstitutional, other provisions hereof which are not affected thereby
shall continue to be in full force and effect.

SEC. 7 Repealing Clause. ~ Any law, decree, rule and regulation which may be
inconsistent with or contrary to the provisions of this Act is hereby amended or repealed.

SEC. 8. Effectivity Clause, - This Act shalt take effect upon its pubtication in at
least two (2) national newspapers.

Approved,