NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
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)
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SENATE
s. No. 715
1?^ Senate ,
ot tijc
72 Ji 18 PI 55
RtCElVEi) BY:
Introduced by Senator Grace Poe
AN ACT
INSTITUTING A NATIONAL COMPREHENSIVE FRAMEWORK ON RESILIENT 
HOUSING AND HUMAN SETTLEMENTS, APPROPRIATING FUNDS 
THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
"Housing is a right, not a commodity". The right to adequate housing is an 
essential human right. Article 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights 
(UDHR) states that: "Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the 
health and well-being of himself and of his family, including food, clothing, housing 
and medical care..." Furthermore, Article 11.1 of the International Covenant on 
Economic, Social and Cultural Rights states that: " The States Parties to the present 
Covenant recognize the right of everyone to an adequate standard of living for 
himself and his family, including adequate food, clothing and housing, and to the 
continuous improvement of living conditions..."
According to the United Nations Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural 
Rights, the right to adequate housing includes the following:
a. Freedoms
1. Protection against forced eviction, arbitrary destruction, and 
demolition;
2. Right to be free from arbitrary Interference; and
3. Right to choose one's residence, determine where to live, to freedom 
of movement.
b. Entitlements
1. Security of tenure;


2. Housing, land, and property restitution;
3. Equal and non-discriminatory access to adequate housing; and
4. Participation in housing-related decision-making, 
c. Must provide more than four walls and a roof.
The World Bank Global Program for Resilient Housing stresses that poor 
housing can lead to "poorer physical and mental health, inferior education for 
children, and impaired lifetime earnings opportunities. The Institution's Unbreakable 
report notes that the housing of poor households is twice as vulnerable to disasters 
and climate change as they often live in the most vulnerable areas, and has weak 
standards, with limited to no access to insurance or credit. This Is especially true in 
the Philippines where the availability of formal, affordable, and safe housing has not 
grown parallel to the rate of urbanization.
Aside from poverty, the constant barrage of typhoons that enter the 
Philippines annually is a major challenge to the right to adequate housing. Eight to 
nine typhoons strike the country every year, costing billions In terms of destroyed 
property and foregone productivity. In 2013, losses to Typhoon Yolanda, one of the 
most powerful tropical cyclones ever recorded, was reported to have reached 
approximately $15 billion, making it one of the most expensive disasters in Philippine 
history, according to a Bloomberg report1. In an inquiry conducted by the Senate 
Committee on Public Works in the 16th Congress, it was founded that bunkhouses 
constructed by the Department of Public Works and Highways for the Yolanda 
victims were substandard. The Committee stated that "the bunkhouses (were) not in 
compliance with the international standards in building transitional houses." In 
another case, the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development 
reported that around 597,000 houses were damaged by Typhoon Odette, the 
strongest typhoon that hit the country In 2021. This data, as of 05 January 2022,
1 Rapier. (13 November 2013). Yolanda losses may reach $15B - report. 
https://www.rappler.com/moveph/43553-yolanda-economic-losses-15-b/


notes that 181,258 houses were totally damaged while the rest are partially 
damaged, with almost 97,500 families affected2.
This bill provides a simple remedy. The proposed measure mandates the 
State to undertake, in cooperation with the private sector, a comprehensive and 
continuing Resilient Housing and Human Settlements Program, which shall lay out a 
clear and concrete plan to ensure that Filipinos who will experience disasters will be 
quickly rehabilitated In safe, secure, and sustainable housing, with attendant basic 
services and access to livelihood. This bill is part of the legislative agenda of the 
Philippine Legislator's Committee on Population and Development Foundation.
Immediate approval of this measure is eagerly sought.
^ M GRACE POE _
/ (r
2 Fernandez, D. (06 January 2022). Some 597,000 nouses damaged by 'Odette' — DHSUD. 
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1536996/fwd-some-587000-houses-damaged-by-odette-dhsud


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
s 
)
ill
SEN AT 
S. No
tp of
•22 JUL 18 PI 55
RtUIVtDBV:
Introduced by Senator Grace Poe
AN ACT
INSTITUTING A NATIONAL COMPREHENSIVE FRAMEWORK ON RESILIENT 
HOUSING AND HUMAN SETTLEMENTS, APPROPRIATING FUNDS 
THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
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Section 1. Short Title. — This Act shall be known as the "Resilient Housing
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and Human Settlements Act."
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Sec. 2. Declaration of Principles and State Policies. — Pursuant to Article 2,
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Sections 5 and 11 of the Philippine Constitution which states that the maintenance of
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peace and order, the protection of life, liberty, and property, and the promotion of
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the general welfare are essential for the enjoyment by all the people of the blessings
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of democracy; the State values the dignity of every human person and guarantees
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full respect for human rights.
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To protect, promote, and fulfill the right to adequate housing as a component
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of the people's right to an adequate standard of living—concomitant with the goal of
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enhancing the resiliency of communities to disasters—the State shall undertake. In
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cooperation with the private sector, a comprehensive and continuing Resilient
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Housing and Human Settlements Program, which shall, among other things, lay out
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a clear and concrete plan to ensure that Filipinos who will experience disasters will
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be quickly rehabilitated in safe, secure, and sustainable housing, with attendant
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basic services and access to livelihood.
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As a state party to United Nations International Covenant on the Economic,
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Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the


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state shall pursue Sustainable Development Goal 11 (to make cities inclusive, safe,
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resilient and sustainable) and the Rights-Based Approach.
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Pursuant to Article 13, Section 16 of the Philippine Constitution, the right of
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the people and their organizations to effective and reasonable participation at all
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levels of social, political, and economic decision-making shall not be abridged. The
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State shall, by law, facilitate the establishment of adequate consultation
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mechanisms.
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It is the policy of the State to complement and supplement the provisions of
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the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Act of 2010
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(Republic Act No. 10121), and In consonance with the Climate Change Act of 2009
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(as amended by Republic Act No. 10174) and other existing laws related to climate
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change adaptation and DRRM in relation to upholding the people’s constitutional
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rights to life aiid property by addressing the root causes of vulnerabilities to
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disasters and building the resilience of local communities to climate change impacts;
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and in terms of mainstreaming climate change adaptation in development processes
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such as policy formulation, budgeting, and governance particularly with respect to
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housing and land use, it is hereby declared the policy of the State to work for the
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attainment of a more Inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable human settlements.
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Towards this end, the government shall pursue a comprehensive, rights-
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based, gender-responsive, participatory and sustainable approach to resilient human
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settlements.
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This Act declares the following as guiding principles:
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a) The Right to Adequate Housing according to the ICESCR covers the following
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elements: accessibility, affordability, habitability, security of tenure, cultural
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adequacy, resiliency, suitability of location, access to essential services such
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as health and education, and respect for safety standards aimed at reducing
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damage In cases of future disasters;
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b) The State bears the primary responsibility for protecting the people,
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infrastructure, and other national assets from the impact of disasters and will
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mobilize adequate and make efficient use of existing resources. Including
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financial, scientific, and technological means in nurturing resiliency;


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mean:
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The buildlng/achievement/fu(fillment of resilient human settlements requires 
that responsibilities be shared by the national and local government units and 
relevant national authorities' sectors, stakeholders and communities. This 
entails the development andj strengthening of institutions, mechanisms and 
capacities at all levels, in i particular at the community level that can 
systematically contribute to building resiliency. Convergence of resources and 
involvement of various stakeholders are essential to the supply of housing 
and infrastructure in the overall context of sustainable development and 
resilient human settlements; '
Ensure accountability and trapsparency of all sectors to monitor and evaluate 
programs and initiatives;
Uphold gender equity and equality, cultural diversity and the rights of 
vulnerable groups such as children, elderly and, people with disabilities when 
planning for resilient and sustjainable settlements development.
Sec. 3. General Objectives. - This Act seeks to:
Provide a framework for resilient housing and human settlements;
Guide various stakeholders to take well-planned, concerted, transparent, 
inclusive, livable, safe, resiliept, sustainable, and pro-poor housing Initiatives
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in the best possible manner;
Strengthen the participation | of all sectors especially communities and civil 
society in the planning of resilient housing and human settlements;
Build synergy, convergence pnd Integration of housing-related and livelihood 
intervention for the attairjiment of resilient and sustainable human 
settlements;
Foster policy and program coherence related to poverty alleviation, income 
generation and employment; and delivery channels to achieve the overall 
objective of housing for all and the attainment of resilient and sustainable
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development of human settlejnents;
f) Support innovation and research and development into new, indigenous, low 
cost resilient and sustainable human settlements;
Sec. 4. Definition of Terms. - As used In this Act, the following terms shall


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a) Adequate housing is defined as that which affords its occupants the following 
conditions:
1. legal security of tenure, including protection against forced evictions;
2. available services and infrastructure (access to water; energy for 
cooking, heating, and lighting; sanitation and washing facilities; food 
storage; and waste disposal (solid, septage and sewerage); 
communication and information; sufficient road networks especially for 
emergencies and so on);
3. affordable housing costs and financing options such that the 
attainment of other basic needs is not threatened;
4. habitability in the sense of adequate spaces, security, physical safety, 
and protection from cold, damp, heat, rain, wind, structural hazards, 
and disease vectors;
5. sufficient accessibility that disadvantaged or vulnerable groups such as 
persons with disabilities, elderly, children and women are not left 
without shelter appropriate to their particular needs;
6. a physical location allowing proximate access to employment and 
livelihood options, health care services, schools, child-care centers, and 
other social facilities and avoiding risks from pollution sources;
7. available, resilient, environmentally-friendly and appropriate 
construction materials, settlements design and process with respect to 
the expression of cultural and religious identity and geographical 
location; and
8. compliance with safety and resilience standards aimed at minimizing 
damage from future disasters.
b) Adequate open spaces which includes roads, green spaces, areas for persons 
with disabilities, elderly, children and materials recovery facilities.
c) Climate-resilient housing refers to housing that is equipped and structurally 
designed to resist, absorb and accommodate the effects of climate hazards 
like heat waves, extreme weather variabilities without significant changes to 
its basic functions.


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d) Comprehensive Resilient Housing Program for Disaster Survivors refers to the
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delivery of resources and activities in the rehabilitation and reconstruction of
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damaged and destroyed housing and development of other new permanent
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housing options for persons and families affected by disasters. It shall follow
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humanitarian standards for their protection and their rights to adequate
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housing through the provision of safe, habitable emergency and transitional
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shelter during displacement and permanent housing that meets the basic
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standards of adequacy and decency. It also means providing for a
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comprehensive, multi sectoral. Inter-agency, and community-based approach
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to post-disaster housing rehabilitation, reconstruction, and recovery.
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e) Gender equity and equality refers to the principle asserting the equality of
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men and women and their right to enjoy equal conditions realizing their full
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human potentials to contribute to and benefit from the results of
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development, and with the State recognizing that all human beings are free
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and equal in dignity and rights. Gender equity refers to the policies,
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instruments, programs, services, and actions that address the disadvantaged
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position of women in society by providing preferential treatment and
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affirmative action. Such temporary special measures aimed at accelerating de
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facto equality between men and women shall not be considered
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discriminatory but shall in no way entail as a consequence the maintenance of
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unequal or separate standards.
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f) Land-Use Planning is the process undertaken by national and local
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government authorities, communities, private sector, and civil society to
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identify, evaluate, and decide on different options for the use of land,
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including consideration of long-term economic, social and environmental
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objectives and the implications for different communities and interest group,
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and the subsequent formulation and promulgation of plans that describe the
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permitted or acceptable uses.
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g) People's Plan is a resettlement option and community development plan
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formulated by people's organizations (POs), with or without the support of
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non-governmental organizations (NGOs), local government units (LGUs) and
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national government agencies (NGAs).


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h) Post-Disaster Recovery refers to the restoration and improvement (where
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appropriate), of facilities, livelihood, and living condition of disaster-affected
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communities, including efforts to reduce disaster risk factors and enhancing
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resiliency, in accordance with the principles of "build back better," as defined
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in Republic Act No. 10121 or the "Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and
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Management Act of 2010"
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i) Resilience is the capacity of a system, community or society exposed to
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hazards to resist, adapt, and transform to an acceptable level of functioning
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and structure. This is determined by the degree to which the system is
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capable of organizing itself to increase 
this capacity by learning from
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experiences for better future protection 
and to improve risk reduction
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measures.
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Sec. 5. National Framework for Resilient Housing and Human Settlements, -
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This National Framework for Resilient Human Settlements (hereinafter referred to as
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the Framework) shall be formulated by the Housing and Urban Development
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Coordinating Council (HUDCC) within six (6) months from the effectivity of this Act in
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coordination and in partnership with the following:
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a) The HUDCC and its attached agencies;
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b) National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA);
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c) Climate Change Commission (CCC);
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d) Office of Civil Defense (OCD);
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e) Government Service Insurance Service System (GSIS);
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f) Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD);
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g) Department of Science and Technology (DOST);
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h) Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR);
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i) Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH);
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j) Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE);
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k) Department of Trade and Industry (DTI);
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I) Department of Budget and Management (DBM);
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m) Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG);
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n) Office of Presidential Adviser on Peace Process (OPAPP);
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o) National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP);


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p) National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC);
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q) Insurance Commission (IC);
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r) Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP);
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s) Built environment and disaster-resilient housing design experts;
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t) Academe;
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u) Civil society;
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v) Communities and other concerned public and private entities.
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The Framework shall serve as the basis for measures or mechanisms for post
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disaster housing and resiliency planning, research and development, extension,
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monitoring and evaluation of programs, projects, and activities to protect vulnerable
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communities from the adverse effects of climate change and disasters. The
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Framework shall describe how the State and all relevant stakeholders can work
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together to achieve adequate and resilient housing for all, including and most
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especially those affected by disasters; and chart the new direction that our national
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and local housing programs and efforts must take in order to make human
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settlements and communities more inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
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The Framework shall Include, but not limited to, the following components:
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a) National Resilient Housing Agenda, which shall be derived from the threats,
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hazards, and vulnerabilities identified; adaptation needs and requirements;
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risk and resiliency assessment for the Philippine housing sector;
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b) National and local resilient housing priorities; outline the most efficient and
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cost effective housing projects that will best meet the short-term and long
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term resilient housing needs of individuals and households;
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c) National Standards for Resilient Housing Design and Construction;
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d) National Post-Disaster Housing Recovery Strategy, which shall focus on how
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best to restore, rehabilitate, redevelop, and revitalize disaster impacted
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communities; restoring livelihoods; effectively preventing the recurrence of
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disasters and harnessing conditions for future development;
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e) Promotion of local government rehabilitation and recovery plans;
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f) Rules and Guidelines for Post-Disaster Housing Rehabilitation, Reconstruction,
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and Relocation;
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g) Comprehensive Resilient Housing Program for Disaster Survivors;


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h) Investment and financing requirements;
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i) Institutional arrangements, including public-private partnership; national
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government roles; local government support functions; and private sector
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responsibilities;
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j) Implementation arrangements;
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k) Reporting, monitoring, and evaluation.
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Sec. 6. Monitoring of Compiiance with this Act - HUDCC shall take the lead to
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periodically monitor the compliance with this Act. Other agencies will participate in
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the monitoring such as attached agencies of HUDCC, DILG, Office of Civil Defense,
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NEDA, and CCC. There shall be a mechanism for civil society to participate in the
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monitoring process.
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Sec. 7. Joint Congressionai Oversight Committee. — There is hereby created
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a Joint Congressional Oversight Committee to monitor the implementation of this
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Act. The Oversight Committee shall be composed of five (5) Senators and five (5)
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Representatives to be appointed by the Senate President and the Speaker of the
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House of Representatives, respectively, who shall also designate a Senator and a
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Representative to co-chair the committee. Its funding requirement shall be charged
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against the appropriations of Congress.
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Sec. 8. Annuai Report. - The HUDCC shall submit to the President, Senate
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President and House Speakei* not later than March 30 of every year following the
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effectivity of this Act, or upon the request of the Congressional Oversight
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Committee, a report giving a detailed account of the status of the implementation of
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this Act, a progress report on the Implementation of the National Resilient Housing
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and Human Settlements Action Plan, policy gaps, and recommended legislation,
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where applicable and necessary.
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LGUs shall likewise submit annual progress report on the Implementation of
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their respective local action plan to HUDCC within the first quarter of the following
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year.
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Sec. 9. Appropriations. - The amount necessary for the initial implementation
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of this Act shall be charged against the current appropriation of the HUDCC.
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Thereafter, the amount needed for the continued implementation of this Act shall be
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included In the annual General Appropriations Act.


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Sec. 10. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within ninety (90) days from 
the effectivity of this Act, the key shelter agencies shall, upon consultation and 
coordination with the pertinent government agencies, LGUs, private sector, NGOs, 
POs, and build environment expert and professionals, promulgate the necessary 
rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act: Provided, That 
failure to issue rules and regulations shall not in any manner affect the executory 
nature of the provisions of this Act.
Sec. 11. Separability Clause. - If, for any reason, any provision or part of this 
Act Is declared Invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining parts or provisions not 
affected thereby shall remain in full force and effect.
Sec. 12. Repealing Clause. - All laws, executive orders, presidential decrees. 
Issuances, rules and regulations or parts thereof inconsistent with any provision of 
this Act are hereby modified, amended, or repealed accordingly.
Sec. 13. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication In the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,