House set to approve creation of housing panel

MANILA, Philippines - The House of Representatives is set to approve the creation of an oversight committee to review and assess the implementation of laws on socialized and low-cost housing, Negros Occidental Rep. Alfredo Benitez said yesterday.

Benitez, chairman of the House committee on housing and urban development, said the oversight panel – as proposed in House Resolution 1091 – will make periodic reviews on the implementation of Republic Act 9507, otherwise known as the Socialized and Low-Cost Housing Loan Restructuring Act of 2008.

He said RA 9507 was enacted to undertake a continuing program of urban land reform and housing to make available and at affordable cost decent housing to underprivileged and homeless citizens.

Benitez said the Restructuring Program for Delinquent Socialized and Low-Cost Housing Loan Accounts was authorized to continue, notwithstanding the lapse of the period provided in the law.

“Also, RA 9507 granted the governing boards of the different housing agencies authority to continue the loan restructuring and condonation program beyond the period provided in the law,” Benitez said.

“There is, therefore, a continuing need to review and assess the implementation of RA 9507, especially the extended programs effected by the different housing agencies,” the lawmaker said.

He said the resolution would help congressmen in crafting legislation needed to uplift the plight of the underprivileged.

“There is a need to enhance the oversight functions of Congress in relation to socialized and low-cost housing,” Benitez said.

The proposed House Oversight Committee on Socialized and Low-Cost Housing would be composed of five members of the legislative chamber to be designated by the Speaker.

The resolution was authored by Benitez, Joseph Stephen Paduano (Abang Lingkod party-list), Julieta Cortuna (A Teacher party-list), Luis Ferrer IV (Cavite), Benhur Salimbangon (Cebu), Jose Christopher Belmonte (Quezon City), Arnel Ty (LPGMA party-list), Amado Bagatsing (Manila), Rodel Batocabe (Ako Bicol), Arturo Robes (San Jose Del Monte City), Ma. Victoria Sy-Alvarado (Bulacan), Nelson Dayanghirang (Davao Oriental) and Juan Johnny Revilla (OFW party-list).