By Roy Pelovello

Lawmakers yesterday have joined the fray started by Human Rights Chairman Leila de Lima, seeking coverage of the writ of amparo for squatters.

Metro Manila Development Authority Chairman Bayani Fernando earlier criticized the move, saying the rights of property owners victimized by illegal settlers should be respected.

Bayan Muna Rep. Satur Ocampo defended De Lima, noting the commission was correct in coming out with a resolution issued Nov. 4 last year, which also recommended stoppage of MMDA?s forced eviction of squatters.

?Urban poor dwelling in slum areas really need protection from abusive government officials or private individuals who are trying to get possession of the land where they [urban poor] are living,? Ocampo said in a text message.

The Supreme Court instituted the writ of amparo in September 2007 to protect victims of summary killings and enforced disappearances. It compels state agents to look for missing people.

In a show of statesmanship, Para?aque Rep. Roilo Golez, arch-critic of Fernando, invoked the Urban Development and Housing Act of 1992.

?I think Republic Act 7279 already provides adequate protection to the informal settler like notice, required relocation site. Those in dangerous areas, like riverbanks, should really be relocated for their protection,? he said.

Manila Rep. Amado Bagatsing, former vice chairman of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council, agreed.

?We just have to follow the Constitution and UDHA. The chairman is correct.?

Bagatsing cited a pending bill seeking to allocate at least P3 billion to finance resettlement and provide aid for urban poor.