QuestionsQuestions (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 178)
It cites Section 27 of Republic Act No. 7279 (Urban Development and Housing Act), which requires LGUs, in cooperation with the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor (PCUP), and PCUP-accredited urban poor organizations, to adopt measures to identify and effectively stall illegal activities of professional squatters and squatting syndicates.
Executive Order No. 129 (15 October 1993) is referenced for creating: (1) the National Committee Against Squatting Syndicates and Professional Squatters (oversight, coordinative, recommendatory), and (2) the Local Committee Against Squatting Syndicates and Professional Squatters (implementing arm at the local level).
Executive Order No. 159 (12 October 1999) is referenced. It declared mass housing as the centerpiece program and directed fast-tracked implementation; EO 178 links squatting syndicates’ proliferation to hampering mass housing projects.
A National Police Task Force on Squatting Syndicates and Professional Squatters (the “Task Force”).
It is chaired by the Chief, Philippine National Police (PNP). It is composed of elements of various law enforcement agencies/entities as may be identified by the Chairman.
To vigorously pursue the apprehension and prosecution of professional squatters and squatting syndicates nationwide.
It must initiate the identification of professional squatters and squatting syndicates, including the names of public officials and/or private individuals or companies abetting or tolerating the commission of the act.
It must conduct surveillance activities to check and verify initial intelligence information regarding identities of suspected professional squatters and squatting syndicates, including any abetting or tolerating individuals.
The Task Force must closely coordinate with the Prosecutor’s Office and concerned LGUs in gathering evidence and testify during court proceedings to ensure speedy prosecution.
It requires providing police protection to victims of squatter syndicates and professional squatters, including the rightful beneficiaries of the government’s housing program who may have been victimized (e.g., by collection of exorbitant fees, issuance of fake titles, or sowing disinformation).
It directs local police chiefs, through PNP regional directors, to extend full support and assistance to the Local Committee Against Squatting Syndicates and Professional Squatters created under EO 129.
It must submit regular reports on its activities and accomplishments to the President through the Presidential Commission on Mass Housing (PCMH).
It may perform such other functions as may be directed by the President.
It repeals or modifies all executive orders, rules, regulations, and other issuances, or parts thereof, that are inconsistent with EO 178.
It takes effect immediately.
Examples given include collection of exorbitant fees, issuance of fake titles, and sowing disinformation.
It states that the proliferation of professional squatters and squatting syndicates hampers effective implementation of mass housing programs, and therefore the Task Force is needed to strengthen LGU capability to curtail those operations.