December 10, 2001

MEMORANDUM ORDER NO. 46

DIRECTING THE HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT COORDINATING COUNCIL (HUDCC) TO RELOCATE/PROVIDE ALTERNATIVE HOUSING SITES FOR THE INFORMAL DWELLERS WITHIN THE PHILIPPINE NATIONAL RAILWAYS (PNR) RIGHT-OF-WAY IN ALL AREAS TO BE AFFECTED BY THE PNR REHABILITATION AND MODERNIZATION

WHEREAS, the Government recognizes the importance of an efficient rail system for providing a reliable means of transportation to the public;

WHEREAS, the Government intends to pursue an accelerated plan for the upgrading, modernization and development of rail transportation services to provide a convenient, efficient and affordable means of transport for passengers and freight;

WHEREAS, House Bill No. 3206 provides for a financial structure to pursue the above mentioned rehabilitation of PNR lines;

WHEREAS, it is essential to clear the rail right-of-way of obstruction and encroachment before the said plan can be successfully implemented;

WHEREAS, the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council is the agency of the government that plans and coordinates all housing related projects of the government throughout the country.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby order the following:

SECTION 1. In order to expedite the much needed rehabilitation of the Philippine National Railways (PNR) lines, the HUDCC is hereby directed to relocate and provide housing sites for the informal dwellers who have settled within the PNR right-of-way.

SECTION 2. All government agencies and entities, including the National Housing Authority, as well as all local government units involved in the relocation and provision of alternative housing units for affected informal dwellers are directed to coordinate with the HUDCC and provide the necessary support and cooperation required.

SECTION 3. This Order shall take effect immediately.

DONE in the City of Manila, this 10th day of December, in the year of Our Lord, Two Thousand and One.