The Story Behind Ecology Village

Here's the story behind the Ecology Villages in Makati.

1980: Imelda Marcos (then NCR Governor and Ministry of Settlements Head) constructed ~154 townhouses on land owned by National Power Corp.

These townhouses were called "Ecology Villages 1, 2, and 3" and were leased out on a long-term basis (via leasehold agreements) with Philippine Development Alternatives Foundation (PDAF) as lessors.

The tenants were issued "Certificates of Ownership."

1986-1992: The Aquino administration had all the leases of the Ecology Villages canceled. Though the tenants of these properties theoretically became "informal settlers," no action was taken to eject them.

[It is unclear whether the government followed through with the cancellation.]

2002: The leasehold rights over the land were transferred to the Privatization Management Office (PMO) under the Department of Finance (DOF).

2002-2016: The DOF chose not to renew the lease of the land where the Ecology Villages (as well as the land of Milelong Building) was located as they drew up plans on what to do with these properties.

Matters are complicated by the fact that documents from the original leasehold agreements were missing. Moreover, powerful people/institutions held the Certificates of Ownership of these properties. Among them was the government of Thailand.

During this time, the PMO did not collect rent.

Some of these properties have changed hands multiple times, yet, the current owners still hold the Certificate of Ownership issued to the very first owner (the names are not updated).

2016: During the Duterte administration, these properties were returned to the limelight.

2017: The NG took back Milelong Building and extended the tenants' leases. As for the Ecology Villages, the NG chose not to do anything.

What can happen to these properties?

Based on discussions with the PMO, either of the following events may happen:

1. The NG may charge the existing "homeowners" unpaid rent (which traces back to years ago) and continue to lease the properties to existing owners (similar to Milelong).

2. The NG may take back the land and offer them in public bidding, where existing homeowners may participate.

3. The current administration may continue to choose not to do anything.