Pasong Tamo Extension obstructions demolished

A total of 60 small business establishments found to have been built illegally were demolished since Thursday as part of the effort of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the local government of Taguig to widen the Pasong Tamo Extension.

Freddie Espital, chief of the Taguig local housing office, said the demolition is in line with the Metro-wide project of the MMDA and DPWH to widen national roads in the metropolis, which is intended to ease the perennial traffic problem in the country’s capital.

Espital told The Star that the establishments, mostly videoke restaurants and vulcanizing shops, failed to secure business and mayor’s permits, making them illegal structures.

"We had given them notices months ago, which is enough time to vacate the area. Last Oct. 23, we gave them our final notice," Espital said.

He said not a single establishment owner complained about the lack of an information dissemination campaign. Espital said it was not their responsibility to find relocation sites for the displaced businesses.

"It is up to the owners to find new spaces for their businesses," he said. "We are just doing our job. Most of them have been very cooperative."

Espital said some even voluntarily dismantled their stalls ahead of the final demolition notice, which was issued by Mayor Freddie Tinga.

"With the help of MMDA and DPWH operatives, we can finish the demolition by Saturday," he said. – Edu Punay