Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

6723

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Representative EDGAR R. ERICE

EXPLANATORY NOTE

It is the policy of the state to promote social order and prosperity as well as the
upliftment of the well-being specially the poor, the homeless and the under-privileged and
marginal members of our society.

As per records of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) at
least 26 million are below the poverty line, and, more than half are homeless, or lack
adequate shelters, houses or any form of proper protection from the elements where they
could rest their tired bodies in order to regain their strength for the activities of the
following days in order to have the opportunity to exercise the right to gain a decent living,

Whereas street dwellers, specifically referred as “Hamogs' literally sleeping under
the weather with direct exposure to the elements, which is not only an eyesore but project
a negative impression of the country specially to investors and tourists alike.


In line with this direction the Department of Social Welfare and Development
(DSWD), in coordination with the affiliated sectors of the government, such as the
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Budget and
Management (DBM), and Local Government Units (LGUs) are mandated to establish,
build, and construct in every region thereof cheap, affordable and accessible houses for
this purpose.

It is in this view that the immediate passage of thi

tly sought.
Z.

VA R. ERICE
Representative

2" District, Caloocan City



Republic of the Philippines
Abuse of Representatives
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

6723

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Representative EDGAR R. ERICE

“AN ACT MANDATING THE CREATION OF CHEAP YET ACCESIBLE
HOUSES FOR THE STREET DWELLERS, HOMELESS, VAGRANTS, AND OTHER
SIMILARLY SITIUATED UNFORTUNATE CITIZENS IN DIFFERENT REGIONS OF
THE COUNTRY”

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines
in Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Title.
This act shall be known as the “Homeless Housing Act”

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy.

It is the policy of the state to promote the welfare and well-being of its
citizens to promote a dynamic social order, that shall ensure the prosperity
and provide for the basic needs, to free the people from poverty through
the provision of free-housing for the homeless provide livelihood and jobs
‘as well as full employment and improve the quality of life.

SECTION 3. Definition of Terms
a.) Homeless - Any individual citizen or family who do not possess, their

own, or who lack the ability to build, construct, or rent a decent dwelling for
the purposes of protection from the elements.


SECTION 4.

SECTION 5.

SECTION 6.

b.) Street Dwellers — People who use the street, public structures (ex.
Bridges), as their dwelling place.

c.) “Hamogs” — People who roam the streets regardless of age and sex
and without visible or legitimate income.

Creation of the regional homeless shelters and homes.

There shall be in every region at least 1 facility capable of housing at least
5000 (five thousand) homeless, street Dwellers, “Hamogs’, and in times of
need refugees displaced by natural or manmade occurrences.

Responsibilities of the Regional Governors

Office of the Regional Governor shall providel identify the required land to
be used in compliance with RA 7278, providing for future executive needs
of the facility.

Responsibilities of the Department of Public Works and Highways.

The Department of Public Works and Highways shall plan, build, and
construct the necessary facilities, such as housing facilities (individual or
block), common grounds, roads, water and electric facilities (in —
partnership with relevant institutions), and provide a common economic
zone.

SECTION 7. Responsibilities of the Department of Social Welfare and
Development

SECTION 8.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), shall
provide for the training of new livelihood projects, initial basic needs of the
facility and, provide for the proper care and development of the people.

The DSWD shall identify and offer said facilities to homeless, street
dwellers and “Hamogs”.

Funding and Appropriations.


The amount necessary to carry out the implementation of this Act shall be

charged against the current appropriations of the DSWD, and DPWH

accordingly, Thereafter, such sums as may be needed for its full

implementation shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.
SECTION 9. Repealing Clause.

All laws inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or
modified accordingly.

SECTION 10. Separability Clause.

If for any reason any provision of this Act is declared unconstitutional or invalid,
‘such parts or portions not affected thereby shall remain in full force and effect.

SECTION 11. Repealing Clause.

All acts, decrees. general orders and circulars, or parts thereof inconsistent with
the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SECTION 12. Effectivity.

This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its complete publication in at least
two (2) newspapers of general Circulation.

Approved,