The University of the Philippines categorically denies reports of home demolitions at Pook Malantic in Barangay UP Campus, UP Diliman on July 8, 2026.
No demolition was ordered. Megawide Construction, the contractor of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), intended to fence the perimeter of the area for on-site transition housing. There was no demolition ordered or scheduled on that day.
No one will be displaced. The temporary or transition homes will be built to provide secure and dignified shelter to at least 26 informal settler families (ISFs) who may be affected by the construction of low-cost rental housing later this year. With on-site relocation, no ISFs will be displaced from their community.
UP owns the land. UP is indisputably the owner of the land on which rental housing will be provided to UP staff and ISFs. The courts have affirmed many times that UP owns the land in its Diliman campus.
In a 2016 decision, the Supreme Court spoke firmly against spurious ownership claims, warning how they have emboldened campus land‑grabbers. ¹Unscrupulous parties have misled many buyers into believing that UP land is for sale.
UP, as the landowner, entered into an agreement with the DHSUD for the construction of 2,000 rental housing units under the agency’s Expanded Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino (4PH) program. The activities being undertaken in the area are part of this program and in accordance with this agreement.
The University has a legal duty to protect and utilize its land for the UP community. UP can not turn a blind eye to the substandard living conditions in its own backyard – it is morally bound to help its most vulnerable community members.
UP’s rental housing initiative is specifically designed to provide affordable, decent, secure, and accessible shelter for UP staff and ISFs, protecting them from displacement or exploitation by individuals or groups falsely claiming ownership of or control over UP land.
Beyond housing, UP has committed to provide livelihood training and support, sustainable communal urban farming, education and university readiness programs, and other initiatives for the welfare of community members.
Moving forward with mutual respect and transparent dialogue
We are saddened by the confrontation between community members and private security personnel augmented by the police. We recognize the pain and anxiety this incident has caused despite the intention to maintain peace and physical safety.
Moving forward, the University will continue to pursue avenues for transparent and productive community dialogues. It previously discussed the housing project in several public consultations with stakeholders, where many families expressed support given their desire for better living conditions.
We remain committed to upholding the welfare, rights, and dignity of all affected families, and to providing safe, secure, and legally protected housing within UP Diliman.
¹Republic and UP v. Segundina Rosario joined by Zuellgate Corp., G.R. No. 186635, January 27, 2016
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