The country’s inclusive growth imperative demands that no sector of society be left behind in progress and development. However, recent data shows that despite the healthy and sustained growth enjoyed by the Philippine economy, a large sector of the population remains jobless, poor, and hungry. Among the most marginalized sectors is the urban population, which comprises about 12.8% in 2009 of the total Philippine population.

One of the key issues hounding the urban poor is that of housing and relocation. According to the Philippine Development Plan for 20’10 to 2016, the country’s total housing need, including “backlog” and “housing for new households,” is estimated to reach around 5.9 million units by 2016. Informal settlements have increased by more than 22% (or 1.2 million) between 2003 and 2009. Meanwhile, other data show that the Philippines’ annual expenditure for housing accounts for less than 0.1 of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP)-the lowest figure in Asia.

Clearly, much more needs to be done for the country’s urban poor; to provide security of shelter is an urgent first step.

No less than the Philippine Cons~itution provides for the protection of the marginalized, the powerless, and the oppressed citizens of this country against any violent eviction and/or demolition. It likewise mandates the provision of decent public housing at affordable costs, coupled with basic services and livelihood opportunities. Section 10, Article XIII of the Constitution states that “urban or rural poor dwellers shall not be evicted nor their dwelling demolished, except in accordance with law and in a just and humane manner.”

To carry out this constitutional mandate, Republic Act (RA) No. 7279 or the Urban Development and Housing Act was enacted to, among others, “uplift the conditions of the underprivileged and homeless citizens in urban areas and in resettlement areas” and “provide for’ an equitable land tenure system that shall guarantee security of tenure to Program beneficiaries.” However, recent incidences of violent evictions and demolitions show the gaps of the current law, requiring the review and amendment of the law.

This bill, therefore, strengthens the Urban Development and Housing Act by further securing the urban poor from violent and unjust evictions and demolition of their homes. It also seeks to ensure that, in the case of relocation, housing beneficiaries be relocated near their homes where they have access not only to basic services but also, and just as important, to jobs and livelihood that will give them the means to raise themselves and their families out of poverty.

The bill further provides that consultation must be effectively done with the active participation of affected communities, particularly in the identification and approval of relocation sites. This also expands the mandate of the law by requiring developers to develop an area for socialized housing equivalent to at least twenty percent (20%) of the total area or project cost-at the option of the developer-not only on proposed subdivision projects but all other land develop”;1ent projects.

This bill also broadens the penalties on violations of the Urban Development and Housing Act.

We firmly believe that it is the duty of the State to protect those who are unable to protect themselves. As the great late President Ramon Magsaysay had once said, “He who has less in life should have more in law.”

In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this measure is earnestly sought.

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