“The unprecedented economic impact of the coronavirus has pushed our workers to financial hardships. Tenants struggling to make their rental payments as result of housing markets that are unaffordable, and now job loss and underemployment,” she added., Lapid said that the measure is meant to shield poor Filipino families from poverty and the harsh effects of the pandemic, especially since the government advocates staying at home.
Despite the Bayanihan laws — Republic Act No. 11469 or the Bayanihan to Heal As One Act and R.A. No. 11494 or the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act, referred to as Bayanihan I and II — having provisions against eviction and rental payments, CHR noted that institutionalizing them is a correct step forward.
“Although there is an existing temporary prohibition on rental payments under the Bayanihan I and II Acts, the proposed legislation aims to have a permanent policy on moratorium on residential payments and eviction while there is a state of calamity or emergency,” De Guia said. “The lack of decent and affordable housing continues to force people to live in makeshift dwellings in informal settlements that are typically unsafe and lacking basic services. This makes them more prone to natural and man-made disasters, leading to widespread displacement,” she added.
Several government officials including no less than President Rodrigo Duterte himself have asked landlordsLast July — a month after quarantine restrictions over most parts of the country have eased — polling firm Social Weather Stations still tallied record-high 45.5 percent
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