Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
Quezon City, Metro Manila

NINETEENTH CONGRESS}
First Regular Session

nouse BLL No. 313

introduced by Representative ivan Howard A. Guintu

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Section 9, Article II of the Constitution provides that “[tJhe State shall promote a just
and dynamic social order that will ensure the prosperity and independence of the nation and
free the people from poverty through policies that provide adequate social services, promote

full employment, a rising standard of living. and an improved quality of life for all

Furthermore. Section 9. Article XIII provides that “[1}he State shall, by law. and for
the common good, undertake, in cooperation with the public sector, a continuing program of
urban land reform and housing which will make available at affordable cost decent housing
and basic services to underprivileged and homeless citizens in urban centers and

resettlements areas.”

‘Around 4.5 million out of 106 million Filipinos are homeless.' These people live on
of their health

the streets, in shanties, under bridges and other unsafe environments at the ri
and safety. Without proper government intervention and assistance, they will remain in such
unfavorable conditions. It is imperative on the part of the State, in compliance with the
abovementioned constitutional provisions, to help and provide assistance to homeless
individuals and households. This can be done through the provision of permanent housing

and additional support and assistance in their transition out of homelessness,

¥ Rina Chandran. Aanilas homeless set 10 move into more emply: homes if official handover delayed. 2018
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‘Thus. this bill seeks to institutionalize a rapid re-housing program to enable

individuals and families to quickly exit homelessness and eventually obi

in permanent
housing. Furthermore, this bill seeks to help its beneficiaries achieve stability through a

combination of rental assistance, job assistan

ind other supportive services be pursued by
the State.

In view of the foregoing. the passage of this bill is eamestly sought.

GUINTU

Representaya€, Pinuno Partylist


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
‘Quezon City, Metro Manila

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Sexsion

3192

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Representative Ivan Howard A. Guintu

AN ACT
INSTITUTIONALIZING A RAPID RE-HOUSING PROGRAM TO END
HOMELESSNESS AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR,

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

SECTION 1. Short Title. ~ This Act shall be known as the “Rapid Re-Housing
Program Act.”

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. — it is the declared policy of the State to end
homelessness and provide access to affordable housing for all. Towards this end, the
government shall ensure that a rapid re-housing program is institutionalized to enable
individuals and families to quickly exit homelessness and eventually obtain permanent
housing

SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. — As used in this Act, the following terms shall mean:

a. Rapid Re-Tousing refers to an assistance program designed to help individuals or
families who are homeless move as quickly as possible into permanent housing and
achieve stability through a combination of rental assistance, job assistance and other
supportive services: and

b, Homeless refers to a condition when (1) a person or family lacks a fixed, regular, and
adequate nighttime residence. and if they sleep in a shelter designated for temporary
living accommodations or in places not designated for human habitation; or (2) when
a person or household will imminently lose, within a period of 30 days. their housing,
including housing they own. rent, or live in without paying rent, are sharing with
others as evidenced by a court order of eviction, termination of a lease agreement, or
any other credible evidence.



SEC. 4. Rapid Re-Housing Program, ~ Under the administration of the Department
of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), there is hereby established a
Rapid Re-Housing Program which shall consist of the following program components:

a. Housing Identification and Matching ~ which encompasses helping homeless
individuals and families find appropriate rental or permanent housing in the
community, and contacting and recruiting landlords, proprietors and developers to
provide housing opportunities for individuals and families experiencing
homelessness. It shall include aid in the aspects of short-term or medium-term rental
assistance and tenant qualifications, completion of applications and preparation for
interviews with landlords, proprietors and developers, and helping households to
determine if a housing option meets their needs and preferences. and help with
moving or relocation:

a, Rent and Move-in Assistance ~ the program shall offer financial assistance to cover
move-in costs. deposits, and the rental and/or utility assistance necessary to allow
individuals and families to move immediately out of homelessness and stabilize in
permanent housing: and

b. Case Management and Other Supportive Services — which shall include:

Job and/or livelihood assistance:

<ducational assistance or skills training:

. Free legal assistance for handling pending cases which directly caused
homelessness such as eviction, rental arrearages, ete.

iv. Assistance with permanent housing applications;

y. Regular home visits by the local social welfare and development office: and

vi. Referral to other government programs and subsidies, where appropriate.

SEC. 5. Inventory of Available Rental and Housing Units. — Por purposes of
implementing the Rapid Re-Housing Program, the DHSUD shall create and maintain an
inventory of all available rental and housing units wherein program bene! s can be
quickly re-housed or relocated.

SEC. 6. Appropriations. ~The amount ne: nplementation of this Act
shall be included in the annual General Appropriations of the DHSUD for the year follow
its enactment into law and thereafter.

sary for the

7. Implementing Rules and Regulations. ~ Within sixty (60) days from the
effectivity of this Act, the DHSUD, in coordination with other relevant government agencies,
shall issue the necessary rules and regulations to implement the provisions of this Act.


SEC. 8. Repealing Clause. ~ Ail laws, presidential decrees, executive orders,
proclamations, rules and regulations, or any part thereof, which are inconsistent with the
provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified according!

SEC. 9. Separability Clause, ~ \f any provision or part of this Act, or the application
thereof to any person or circumstance, is held unconstitutional or invalid, the remainder of
this Act shall not be affected thereby.

ise. ~ This Act shall take effect fifleen (15) days from its
publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved.