A measure seeking to provide a P3,500 monthly rental subsidy to families living in informal settlements has been introduced in the House of Representatives.
House Bill No. 7230, filed during the Twentieth Congress’ First Regular Session, was authored by Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez along with Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude A. Acidre and other lawmakers. The proposal aims to establish a government-funded rental assistance initiative for families facing displacement.
The bill, titled the “Rental Housing Subsidy Program Act,” outlines a state policy centered on expanding access to adequate shelter and essential services for disadvantaged communities. It sets out to encourage more inclusive urban growth by increasing housing options, improving access to livelihood opportunities, and enhancing living conditions for marginalized Filipinos.
Under the proposed framework, the program would extend support to households forced to relocate due to eviction, demolition activities linked to public projects, as well as natural or human-induced calamities. It also intends to provide temporary shelter assistance for families uprooted from their homes.
The measure defines “informal settler families” as households occupying land—whether privately or publicly owned—without the property owner’s consent or without lawful entitlement. It also includes those residing in high-risk locations such as waterways, rail tracks, dumpsites, shorelines, and similar areas identified under Republic Act No. 11201, or the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development Act.Romualdez-backed measure offers P3,500 monthly rent support for informal settlers
