The AGRI Party-list has filed a bill seeking to grant rental subsidy to informal settler families (ISFs) to help them cope with the rising cost of basic commodities.
“It is getting harder for the poor to live decently due to the pandemic and inflation. The government has to step in and intervene so that informal settlers can devote their meager resources to food and education,” AGRI Party-list Rep. Wilbert Lee said.
If passed, the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) shall grant beneficiaries residing in Metro Manila a flat rate of P3,500. The DHSUD and National Economic and Development Authority shall determine the rate for those living in other regions.
House Bill No. 2879, or the Rental Housing Subsidy Act of 2022, aims to establish a rent subsidy program for qualified ISFs.
The program provides eligible beneficiaries who have been displaced from their homes due to calamities with the option of receiving rent subsidy so they can access formal housing options, allowing them to stay in areas closer to their source of livelihood.
The House of Representatives approved the measure on third and final reading during the 18th Congress, but failed to hurdle the Senate.
If passed, the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) shall grant beneficiaries residing in Metro Manila a flat rate of P3,500. The DHSUD and National Economic and Development Authority shall determine the rate for those living in other regions.
Beneficiaries will receive the rental subsidy until the date of completion of the permanent housing project intended for them or upon their actual transfer to the permanent housing project, whichever comes first. The subsidy shall be extended if the completion of the permanent housing project is delayed, with the agency implementing the said housing project bearing the cost.
The rental subsidy has a maximum contract of five years.
“Malaki ang maitutulong ng rental subsidy law sa paghikayat sa mga ISF na lisanin ang tirahan nila na malapit sa peligro. Malaking balakid kasi sa paghanap nila ng mas maayos na komunidad ang kawalan ng pondo na pinipili nilang ilaan na lang sa pagkain at pag-aaral ng mga anak nila, lalo pa sa panahon na patuloy na tumataas ang presyo ng bilihin,” said Lee.
“Umaasa tayo na muling kikilalanin ng Kongresong ito ang pangangailangan na mabigyan ng suporta ang mga ISF at sa lalong madaling panahon ay maipasa ang panukalang ito,” the lawmaker added.
