Manila: The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) has extended the deadline for private developers to comply with Republic Act (RA) 10884, or the Balanced Housing Development Program (BHDP), to give them more time to meet legal requirements and avoid sanctions.

According to Philippines News Agency, Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling signed a memorandum deferring until Dec. 31, 2025, the implementation of cease and desist orders and the suspension or cancellation of licenses to sell for non-compliant developers. He emphasized that this extension provides private developers with the necessary time to adapt to the law's stringent requirements, ultimately resulting in the production of more socialized housing projects for underprivileged Filipinos.

However, monetary fines for violations will still be enforced immediately upon receipt of the Order of Imposition of Administrative Sanction. Aliling highlighted the importance of collaboration between the government and the private sector to promote a robust housing industry for the benefit of all stakeholders.

The DHSUD has identified approximately 600 real estate projects as non-compliant with the BHDP provision of RA 10884 through the ongoing Zero Backlog Program, which aims to streamline regulatory actions and ensure adherence to housing laws. RA 10884 mandates that developers allocate portions of their projects for socialized housing-15 percent for subdivisions and 5 percent for condominiums-or engage in alternative compliance schemes approved by DHSUD.

Aliling reassured that DHSUD will maintain its cooperation with developer groups to enhance public-private partnerships in achieving the government's housing objectives.