Manila: Two legislative measures have been introduced in the Senate to promote on-site resettlement for informal settler families and provide loan relief to delinquent low-income housing borrowers.
According to Philippines News Agency, Senator Bam Aquino has filed Senate Bill Nos. 1861 and 1863. These bills aim to amend the Urban Development and Housing Act and initiate a restructuring and condonation program for socialized and low-cost housing loans. Senate Bill No. 1861 emphasizes a structured preference for relocation, with on-site, in-city, and near-city resettlement options prioritized over off-city transfers.
Aquino highlighted that the bill institutionalizes a preference in resettlement options to ensure families can stay close to employment and opportunities. The bill also mandates adequate consultation, integrates livelihood support, clarifies inter-agency responsibilities, and reinforces protections against forced eviction, turning existing principles into actionable standards.
Senate Bill No. 1863, known as the Housing Loan Condonation Act, addresses delinquent housing loans under the National Housing Authority, Social Housing Finance Corporation, National Home Mortgage Finance Corporation, and the Philippine Guarantee Corporation. Aquino stated that this measure offers struggling families a viable path to recover their housing loans, thereby strengthening communities, preventing unnecessary displacement, and safeguarding prior government investments in socialized housing.
