MANILA — Senator Bam Aquino has filed two measures designed to support informal settler families (ISFs) and low-income households facing challenges with socialized and low-cost housing loans.

Aquino submitted Senate Bills No. 1861 and 1863 ahead of a meeting with urban poor organizations at the Senate, committing to address relocation concerns and ensure the welfare of affected families is fully protected. The bills draw inspiration from the housing initiatives of the late Jesse Robredo, former mayor of Naga City and Secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

Senate Bill No. 1861 seeks to prioritize on-site, in-city, and near-city relocation programs to keep families near their jobs and livelihood opportunities, with off-city relocation considered only as a last resort.

“It 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,” Aquino said. The measure also strengthens the role of local government units (LGUs) in leading accountable and coordinated relocation programs.

The bill includes a People’s Plan provision allowing affected families to participate in planning, ensuring social preparation, livelihood support, and access to basic services, while incorporating safeguards 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. “Inclusive cities are built by ensuring that the workers who power our economies, the families who sustain our communities, and the vulnerable sectors who face the greatest risks are not left behind.”

Senate Bill No. 1863, or the Housing Loan Condonation Act, provides low-income families with delinquent socialized and low-cost housing loans the opportunity to restructure payments without processing fees or down payments. Approved applicants can have accumulated interest and penalties condoned, enjoy more affordable interest rates, flexible repayment terms, and incentives for timely payments.

The measure applies to loans under the National Housing Authority (NHA), Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC), National Home Mortgage Finance Corporation (NHMFC), and Philippine Guarantee Corporation (PGC).

“By giving struggling families a realistic path to recover their housing loans, this measure strengthens communities, prevents unnecessary displacement, and safeguards prior government investments in socialized housing,” Aquino said. “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.”