Manila council approves P40-M fund for Mayhaligue housing plan
The Manila City Council approved a P40‑million appropriation to serve as the legal deposit for expropriation proceedings on private properties in Mayhaligue, District 2, a measure intended to provide housing for fire‑displaced residents and resolve long‑standing land ownership issues.
Vice Mayor Chi Atienza, presiding officer of the Manila City Council, approved Ordinance No. 9192 on third and final reading, allocating P40 million as a legal deposit for the expropriation of private properties in Mayhaligue, District 2. The measure aims to secure permanent housing for long-time residents and families affected by the recent fire in the area. (Photo courtesy of Manila LGU)
Ordinance No. 9192 was passed on third and final reading during the council’s afternoon session, hours after Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso met with affected residents and vowed to pursue the acquisition of the properties.
The measure was authored by Councilors Darwin “Awi” Sia, Edward Tan, John Christopher “Bolong” Sy, and Raymundo “Mon” Yupangco.
According to the city government, the fund allocation represents the first step toward securing the properties for long‑time residents and families displaced by the fire.
Appealing for support from fellow council members, Sia highlighted the plight of families who have lived in the area for decades and continue to face uncertainty over their housing situation.
Vice Mayor Chi Atienza, who presided over the session, said the measure was swiftly approved following the mayor’s directive to address the concerns of the Mayhaligue community.
Atienza said residents had long believed that a previous ordinance would pave the way for the expropriation of the properties, only to discover that the measure had not been funded.
She added that the newly approved appropriation ordinance is intended to move forward the city’s efforts to acquire the property and fulfill commitments made to residents.
The vice mayor also cited the cooperation between the city council and the mayor’s office in fast-tracking the measure, describing it as part of the administration’s effort to deliver concrete solutions to communities facing housing insecurity.
For affected families, the ordinance represents a significant step toward obtaining permanent security over the land they have occupied for years while recovering from the recent fire that struck the area.