Congressmen eye housing rental subsidy for squatters

LAWMMAKERS have proposed the grant of a monthly rental housing subsidy for millions of squatters or informal settler families (ISFs).

- JOVEE MARIE N. DELA CRUZ

Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez’s proposal is contained in House Bill 7230, of which Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre is also a principal author. Titled the Rental Housing Subsidy Program Act, the measure seeks to provide temporary financial assistance to ISFs to help them access formal housing.

Romualdez said the program would strengthen social protection by enabling displaced and low-income families to secure safe rental housing under the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD).

He added that the subsidy may be used for temporary relocation owing to natural or man-made disasters, offering a flexible safety net while permanent housing solutions are being developed. The assistance would also improve access to employment and education opportunities for beneficiary families.