In an effort to prevent overcrowding that could compromise peace and order in Cainta, Mayor Keith Nieto said the local government is strictly implementing the “one lot, one house” policy in all subdivisions.

“In terms of living in a subdivision, I have now prohibited the construction of apartments. We are implementing that [policy],” Nieto said in an interview with PaMaMariSan Rizal Press Corps on Wednesday, Oct. 1.

The policy prevents homeowners from building apartments in subdivisions. Nieto explained that allowing apartment-style developments on small lots, such as 16 units on a 100-square-meter property, would overwhelm subdivisions with parking, waste management, utility, and peace-and-order problems.

"If ever there would be some reconsideration, we [would] go only as far as providing them the opportunity to put up duplexes," he added.

The mayor explained the need for the policy, which aims to keep the subdivision within its capacity and protect residents’ property investments.

“The idea is that there will be 1,000 families living in the area. If you cut that into eight, each one becomes 8,000 families. It becomes so unfair for people who invest in that kind of place,” Nieto said.

He cited an example of a business owner who cares only about profit and builds multiple apartments on a lot meant for a single house, leading to overcrowding and upsetting the peace and order that residents who invested in the area expect.

Nieto also added that the arrival of migrants in Cainta has contributed to rapid population growth, which has reached 3.8 percent per year.

He said nearly three percent of this growth comes from residents moving into the municipality, attracted by the services it provides. He added that this is far above the national growth rate of just 0.8 percent per year.

“We cannot really fully ban them because we do not have visas. They are still part of the Philippines. But we are discouraging. When you make it a bit difficult for these people to expand and exploit properties in Cainta, they will look elsewhere,” he said.

The mayor also called on Congress to pass a law setting national standards for population density to ensure a decent quality of life for citizens and prevent overcrowding in towns.