(Eagle News)—Senator Leila de Lima is proposing the creation of local housing boards to ensure decent and affordable housing for underprivileged families.
In filing Senate Bill No. 2092 amending certain provisions of Republic Act No. 7279, also known as the Urban Development and Housing Act of 1992 (UDHA), De Lima is proposing the creation of the boards in cities, and first-class and second-class municipalities to ensure, according to a statement released by De Lima’s office, “proper formulation, development, implementation, and monitoring of important local policies, including the preparation and approval of local shelter plans.”
Under the measure, a “people’s planning approach” shall be employed in which local government units and affected stakeholders are involved in the planning, implementation and monitoring processes in the development of housing.
“It is hoped that the adoption of people’s planning approach and the institutionalization of local housing boards can help make the housing and urban development program of the government truly transparent, participatory and inclusive,” De Lima said.
According to De Lima, the Commission on Human Rights may be invited as an observer in the board.
Under the measure, De Lima said LHBs are “mandated to prepare and approve a local shelter plan which shall form part of the city/municipality development plan and suggest recommendations for socialized housing sites and acquisition of lands for socialized housing and resettlement.”
“The LHBs will also have the power to grant or deny certificates of compliance on the availability and accessibility of basic services in any housing project or relocation site,” she said.
She said the “unjustified failure or refusal of a mayor to constitute the LHB can subject him and other officials or employees responsible to disciplinary action.”
