By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

While conducting an inspection yesterday of the National Housing Authority (NHA) project at Purok Guanzon, J.J. Gonzaga in Barangay Felisa, Bacolod City, comprised of housing units intended for active members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police, Senator Joseph Victor ‘JV’ Ejercito called on Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap (Kadamay) informal settlers to “wait” since HB 1578, which seeks to implement reforms to national housing programs, is currently pending in the Senate.

The counterpart Senate bill will create a new department to consolidate the eight government agencies that focus on the sector.

Ejercito, who chairs the Senate Committee on Urban Planning and Housing, made the remarks after learning around 1,500 Kadamay informal settlers attempted to occupy the said homes last month.

The senator noted, the units cannot be given away since they have already been awarded. However, he noted, if the intended recipients chooses to waive their right to the unit, NHA will provide the residence to a “qualified” beneficiary.

Despite Kadamay-Negros Occidental Secretary-General Ereneo Luminos earlier referring to informal settlers as “qualified beneficiaries,” Ejercito said, “It is not free.”

The senator explained, a P300 monthly amortization is assessed because occupants are expected to have the capacity to pay P2,000 a month to landlords.

“We will use the amortization to further finance other developments,” he added.

Beneficiaries have yet to occupy their homes as there is no water and electricity./DGB, WDJ