Sen. Bam Aquino on Friday filed two housing bills to create an inclusive resettlement framework for informal settler families and to establish a loan condonation program for low-income borrowers with unpaid socialized and low-cost housing loans.
According to the senator, Senate Bills 1861 and 1863 directly address relocation concerns, safeguard the welfare of affected communities, and strengthen the role of local government units in leading accountable and coordinated resettlement programs.
Aquino said his proposed “On-Site, In-City, Near-City, or Off-City Local Government Resettlement Program for Informal Settlers” institutionalizes a clear order of preference in resettlement—prioritizing on-site, in-city, and near-city options before off-city relocation—so families can remain close to jobs and opportunities.
He explained that the proposals draw inspiration from housing programs implemented by the late Jesse Robredo during his tenure as Naga mayor and later as interior secretary.
A People’s Plan mechanism is included in the bill, enabling families to take part in project planning, mandates social preparation and livelihood assistance, ensures access to basic services, and reinforces protections against forced evictions.
“By mandating adequate consultation, integrating livelihood support, clarifying inter-agency responsibilities, and reinforcing safeguards against forced eviction, the bill transforms existing principles into concrete, operational standards,” Aquino said.
Furthermore, the lawmaker’s proposed “Housing Loan Condonation Act” permits qualified low-income borrowers with delinquent accounts to restructure loans without paying processing fees or down payments and allows the condonation of accrued interest and penalties once approved.
The bill also provides reduced interest rates, flexible repayment schemes, and incentives for prompt payment to help borrowers regain financial stability.
It applies to housing loans granted by the National Housing Authority, Social Housing Finance Corporation, National Home Mortgage Finance Corporation, and Philippine Guarantee Corporation.
“It forms part of a broader housing reform agenda to build more homes, protect families from displacement, and ensure that beneficiaries of government housing programs are not left behind by inflexible financing terms,” Aquino concluded.
