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Friday, March 29, 2024

Moreno signs ordinance to end squatting in Manila

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Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso says he wants to end squatting in Manila as he signed Ordinance 8730 containing the implementing rules and regulations pertinent to the local government’s in-city housing program as the condominium buildings are well on their way to completion.

Domagoso, who described the day when he signed the ordinance as historical and “moving for me,” thanked Vice Mayor Honey Lacuna Pangan, majority floorleader Joel Chua, assistant secretary to the mayor, Council president pro tempore Jhong Isip, assistant secretary to the mayor Letlet Zarcal, the Manila councilors and Manila Urban Settlement and Housing Office chief Cris Fernandez for having contributed to the formulation of the ordinance, including the handbook that would serve as a guide on the would- be beneficiaries of the housing program.

“My mom and dad and I dreamed of it. Even if we didn’t achieve it, you did. I have been in public service for 23 years and only now have I seen such a thick ordinance … that’s my dream but that’s Lee Kuan Yew’s idea,” Domagoso said, adding that he had copied the concept from the late Singaporean Prime Minister including some of the processes undertaken in the said country in implementing its successful socialized housing program.

The mass housing program enabled those who did not earn high income to buy their own homes.

Domagoso said the beneficiaries will include not only the squatters living in the vicinity of the housing projects’ location but also those who are currently just renting.

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The ordinance, which was attested to by Secretary to the Mayor Bernie Ang and Manila Council Secretary Luch Gempis, provides the terms of payment and ownership of the housing units, where the beneficiaries will pay P2,000 to the MUSHO every month.

The accumulated payments made will be given back to the beneficiary once he got better in life, is already able to buy a bigger home for his family and decides to leave the plac, in order to aid him in his new purchase.

Domagoso said the units may be used by the beneficiary for as long as he wants, including his heirs and future generations, but clarified that the ownership will remain with the city government and only the beneficiary’s bloodline will be able to use the unit concerned.

The rationale behind, he explained, is the reality that transferring the ownership to the beneficiary will open the floodgates to the squatters’ habit of selling their rights to syndicates, only to end up squatting again.

In the case of a city employee, Domagoso said the employee may use the unit assigned to him for as long as he serves in the city government, but would have to relinquish it once he retires, for the use of succeeding generations of employees.

Once already capable to buy due to progress, the beneficiary will be able to get back whatever accumulated amount had been paid to the city over the years, to augment the money he has for the purchase of a new house.

Each site, Domagoso said, will have its own drain and water system, along with electricity supply for each unit which will come complete with comfort room, laundry area, kitchen, dining and sala area and a second floor where there will be two rooms, one for the parents and one for the children.

A handbook for residents was also crafted containing rules that must be followed to ensure that the entire housing site is properly taken care of and maintenance of the building, elevator and common lighting, among others, will be given to a private management office.

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