Marcos says gov’t mulling housing subsidy fund for housing program

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said on Tuesday that his administration is looking into establishing a subsidy fund for its flagship housing program.

This program will include a P1-billion subsidy to prospective tenants, he said.

“Pinagaaralan namin ni Secretary Acuzar ang pagtatayo ng subsidy fund para dito sa ating housing program,” he said in a speech during the groundbreaking ceremony of the 4PH housing project in Batasan.

(We are studying the establishment of a subsidy fund for our housing program.)

“Siguro maglalagay tayo diyan, ‘pag nakahanap tayo ng pera, mga P1 billion to start with, para mayroon tayong subsidy na ibibigay para sa ating magiging tenant,” Marcos added.

(Maybe we can put P1 billion to start with — if we find funds — so that our tenants would have subsidies.)

Marcos also vowed to secure the needed housing support for 2023, noting that many of the beneficiaries of the government’s housing units are still not able to afford its monthly amortization.

“The government is committed to secure the needed housing interest support for 2023,” he said.

He, likewise, called on Congress for its support for the housing interest as part of the regular appropriations for the next years.

“I now call on Congress for your support, including housing interest support as part of the regular appropriations for the succeeding years,” the President said.

JMS