“We have already done a lot, but there is still more to do. We will not stop until we have done everything for those who have less in life.”
This is the promise made by Quezon City 2nd District Rep. Winnie Castelo, after Speaker Gloria Arroyo announced the reconstitution of the Congressional Oversight Panel for Urban Poor Housing, during a visit to Barangay Holy Spirit, Quezon City, where Castelo is the incumbent congressman.
The oversight panel is mandated under Republic Act No. 9207 (RA 9207) or the National Government Center Housing and Land Utilization Act of 2003.
“From the very start of my career in public service, I have always fought for a better life for our people, starting with their land and home.”
Under RA 9207, this oversight committee will be led by the chair of the House Committee on environment and natural resources.
“Since there are still remaining problems, it is necessary to reconstitute the oversight committee,” said Speaker Arroyo.
“There are reports of land-grabbing and failure in the reblocking of some properties,” added the Speaker.
“This is not the time to relax. This is a time to continue to accomplish the mission.”
The new panel will conduct its first hearing on January 21, 2019.
“Most of the families in the village had already been awarded their own land titles, but we welcome this opportunity to solve other issues and concerns so that, finally, our constituents will be secure in their very own lands and homes,” said Castelo, a known champion of land and housing for the urban poor.
“From the very start of my career in public service, I have always fought for a better life for our people, starting with their land and home,” he said.
“This is not the time to relax. This is a time to continue to accomplish the mission,” added Castelo, who is running for Councilor in 2019, a post be previously held for four terms, from 1995 to 2001 and from 2004-2010.