QuestionsQuestions (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 708)
Executive Order No. 708 amends Executive Order No. 152 (2002) and devolves the PCUP’s clearinghouse functions for demolition and eviction activities involving homeless and underprivileged citizens to the LGUs having territorial jurisdiction over the proposed activities.
PCUP was designated as the sole clearing house for the conduct of demolition and eviction activities involving homeless and underprivileged citizens, to ensure strict compliance with the requirements of just and humane demolition and eviction under the Urban Development and Housing Act of 1992.
EO No. 708 states that the clearinghouse functions of PCUP are devolved to the respective cities and municipalities where the proposed demolition and eviction activities will occur, i.e., those with territorial jurisdiction.
Because the EO recognizes that under the decentralization policy, functions should be exercised by LGUs in their areas of jurisdiction, improving local governance while maintaining compliance with just and humane demolition and eviction requirements.
The LGU must create its own Local Housing Board (or similar body) through an appropriate ordinance before conducting the clearinghouse functions.
EO No. 708 directs that PCUP shall assist LGUs in enacting the ordinances in whatever capacity it can provide within the same six (6) month period.
PCUP retains monitoring and reporting functions. Additionally, the powers and functions mentioned in subsections 4 to 11 of Section 1 and Section 9 of EO No. 152 (2002) remain with PCUP.
It provides that all clearinghouse functions, including issuance of notices and clearances to affected families, are the primary responsibility of the concerned LGU.
No. EO No. 708 does not fully remove PCUP authority; it keeps residual functions, particularly monitoring and reporting, and specified powers under EO No. 152 (2002). However, the clearinghouse functions are primarily assigned to LGUs.
Section 5 revokes, amends, or modifies all other orders, issuances, or parts thereof that are inconsistent with EO No. 708.
EO No. 708 states that it shall take effect immediately.
The respective cities and municipalities whose territorial jurisdiction covers the proposed demolition and eviction activities.
EO No. 708’s devolution is meant to ensure continued strict compliance with the UDHA 1992 requirements on just and humane demolition and eviction, now administered through LGUs acting as the clearinghouse.
It assigns the clearinghouse role to the LGU within whose jurisdiction the demolition/eviction occurs, requiring the LGU to create a Local Housing Board and take primary responsibility for notices and clearances to affected families.