• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Senate Committee on Urban Planning, Housing, and Resettlement chaired by Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero has tackled all 35 bills and resolutions on its agenda, reinforcing his “no backlog” policy in the committees he leads.
Among those approved for committee report was Senate Bill No. 934, authored by Senator Jinggoy Estrada, which strengthens the government’s authority to expropriate land for socialized housing.
Also approved was SB 70, authored by Senator Rodante Marcoleta, exempting the underprivileged and homeless from the required payment of supersedeas bond to perfect an appeal in ejectment cases.
This measure strengthens protections for vulnerable families facing eviction.
The committee likewise passed SB 1863, authored by Senator Bam Aquino, which institutes a loan restructuring and condonation program for socialized and low cost housing. This aims to ease the financial burden of housing beneficiaries and improve repayment sustainability.
In addition, measures amending the Condominium Act were cleared: amending RA 4726 (CONDOMINIUM ACT): Senate Bill 235 (Escudero), SB 922 (Estrada), SB 1442 (Senator JV Ejercito), and House Bill No. 2286 (Representatives Victoria Co Pilar, Leila De Lima, et al.)
These proposals modernize rules on dissolution and redevelopment of condominium projects, ensuring safer and more responsive housing options for urban dwellers.
During the recent Senate hearing on houses concerns, Escudero ordered the consolidation of similar bills, while several others were referred to new subcommittees for more focused deliberation.
Among these is Senate Resolution No. 254, filed by Senator Bam Aquino, which calls for an inquiry into the implementation, challenges, and gaps in the government’s housing and resettlement programs.
The committee also reviewed the recalibrated housing targets under the Marcos administration. Instead of the earlier goal of one million units annually, the updated target is 1.13 million units for the entire term of the President until 2028.
According to the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), the current backlog stands at 2.2 million units, with only 477,000 units delivered to date.
In a statement, Escudero underscored the need for transparency and consistency in defining the country’s housing deficit.*
