Senate committee touts zero-backlog record

CEBU, Philippines — Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero’s Committee on Urban Planning, Housing and Resettlement has maintained its zero-backlog record after acting on all 67 bills and resolutions referred to it since he assumed the chairmanship in September last year.

During a public hearing on November 10, the committee tackled various measures aimed at expanding access to affordable housing, improving socialized housing delivery, protecting informal settler families, and promoting sustainable housing solutions.

Among the proposals discussed were the establishment of a Solar Home Systems Financing Program for social housing beneficiaries, improved delivery of socialized housing programs, and a sustainable housing program for personnel of state universities and colleges.

The panel also considered measures seeking to protect the rights of informal settler families through local housing boards and a Senate resolution calling for an inquiry into the living conditions of families occupying underutilized and idle government lands.

Escudero also presented three additional housing measures he authored: Senate Bill (SB) 2569, which seeks to exempt common areas in residential condominiums and subdivisions from real property tax; SB 2570, proposing an interest subsidy program for economic and socialized housing loans; and SB 2571, seeking to strengthen the implementation of the Balanced Housing Development Program under the Urban Development and Housing Act of 1992.

“Wala pong naiwan o naipong panukala sa ating komite mula nang tayo’y maupo bilang chairman. Siniguro natin na lahat ng ipinasa sa Urban Planning committee ay may agarang aksyon,” Escudero said in a statement.

He said the committee remains committed to advancing legislation that will improve the country’s housing and urban development framework, particularly for low-income families, informal settlers, and communities vulnerable to displacement.

Several measures have already secured Senate approval, including the Condominium Redevelopment Act under SB 2420, which has passed third reading and whose bicameral conference committee report has been ratified by the Senate.

Four other measures have also passed third reading: SB 1992, which seeks to strengthen government capacity to implement socialized housing projects through improved land acquisition and utilization; SB 70, exempting underprivileged and homeless appellants from posting supersede as bonds; SB 2421, promoting adequate and decent housing through usufruct arrangements; and SB 2508, or the Residential Emancipation Act for calamity survivors.

Other measures approved on second reading include proposals establishing a Rental Housing Subsidy Program and an Affordable and Decent Rental Housing Incentives Act.

Meanwhile, several bills remain under review by technical working groups and subcommittees, including proposals regulating dormitories and boarding houses and creating local housing boards.

Escudero said the committee will continue prioritizing measures addressing housing affordability, security of tenure, and sustainable urban development to ensure that Filipino families have access to safe, decent, and affordable homes.