Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada has filed a bill seeking to give poor Filipino families living in resettlement areas the right to own the lots they have called home for years.

In filing Senate Bill No. 1002, Estrada said underprivileged families should be first in line in the government’s socialized housing program especially if they are the actual occupants and are qualified beneficiaries.

“They should be first in line, not last. It is the dream of every Filipino family to own their own house and land. Why should we deny them this opportunity, especially since they have the ability to purchase what they have considered their home for a long time?" Estrada pointed out.

SB No. 1002, the senator said seeks to strengthen the rights of poor and homeless families to live on and own government-owned lands meant for socialized housing. 

“This measure aims to correct long-standing situations where poor families, despite living on the land for a decade or more, lose their homes because the property is sold to other buyers who can offer a higher price during bidding,” Estrada said. 

The senator said the bill primarily ensures that the actual occupants get first priority to acquire the land they have stayed on for so long.

Families who declare their intent to buy can acquire them through negotiated purchase at affordable rates. If the occupants refuse or cannot afford the government’s valuation, the property can then be subjected to public bidding. 

In order to qualify, residents must be recognized as beneficiaries under the Urban Development and Housing Act, must have lived on the property for at least 10 years, and must agree to follow existing rules on resale or transfer.

Estrada said the bill would give long-time occupants a fair chance to finally secure legal ownership of the land they call home, promoting social justice and protecting the dignity of the urban poor.

This is because the State has the duty to make decent and affordable housing accessible to the poor—not allow them to be displaced.

“This bill strikes a balance between transparency in government land disposition and our responsibility to uplift homeless and underprivileged families,” he said.