ILOILO City — The Iloilo City government has begun reclaiming long-abandoned socialized housing lots in Barangay Lanit, Jaro district, citing violations that include non-occupancy for up to 15 years, illegal transactions, and misuse of properties intended for displaced families.
The Iloilo City Local Housing Office (ICLHO) confirmed the enforcement of lot reversion and re-awarding, underscoring a sweeping effort to restore integrity to the city’s housing program and ensure that units go to qualified beneficiaries in need.
ICLHO head Atty. Peter Millare clarified that the move was carried out following a resolution from the Local Housing Board and not based on a unilateral order.
“This is part of our reported reversion cases. We implemented the reversion and re-awarding of beneficiaries by virtue of a resolution of the Local Housing Board,” Millare said.
“It was not my personal order. This is the decision of the board created by the City Council to ensure proper implementation of housing programs,” he added.
Millare explained that the reverted lots were found to be in violation of provisions under Republic Act 7279 or the Urban Development and Housing Act.
“These lots were awarded as part of the socialized housing program, but they were not occupied. Some remained idle for more than 10 to 15 years without any structure,” he said.
“The purpose of awarding these lots is for beneficiaries to build homes and reside there — not to leave them idle, reserve them, or sell them later,” he stressed.
He added that some claimants were not even original beneficiaries listed in the masterlist, raising concerns over illegal transactions within the relocation site.
“We discovered that some of those claiming the lots are not the original beneficiaries. There are indications of buying and selling, which is illegal under the program,” Millare said.
Millare also addressed confusion over land ownership in the relocation site, emphasizing that the property had already been donated to the city.
“The land was donated to the Iloilo City Government by Megaworld through a deed of donation in 2011. Even if the title has not yet been transferred, ownership has already been conveyed to the city through that deed,” he explained.
He stressed that the site is not private property and was specifically intended for relocation of families affected by the Old Airport development.
The ICLHO chief assured that due process was followed before the reversion was implemented.
“We have been sending notices for more than a year. These were furnished to the homeowners’ association, the barangay, and even posted publicly and on social media,” he said.
“They were properly notified several times. Unfortunately, some only reacted when the reversion was already being enforced,” he added.
Millare noted that some individuals reportedly resorted to intimidation and threats during the implementation, prompting authorities to seek police assistance.
“Our concern is the safety of legitimate beneficiaries. That’s why we coordinated with the police and proper authorities,” he said.
The Lanit case forms part of a broader crackdown on misuse of government housing.
“This is part of more than 20 lots reverted under a 2025 Local Housing Board resolution. Overall, there are more cases undergoing the process,” Millare said.
“We are simply enforcing the rules to ensure that housing is given to those who truly need it,” he added.
Despite the reversion, Millare said affected individuals are not barred from applying again for housing, provided they meet the qualifications.
“They are not blacklisted. They can still apply, as long as they are qualified,” he said.
Millare emphasized that the city government remains firm in protecting the integrity of its socialized housing program.
“Our goal is to fix and properly implement the housing program. These relocation sites are for shelter, not for investment or speculation,” he said.
“If they believe they have a claim, they can file the appropriate case. But on our part, we will continue to implement what has been decided by the board,” he added.
The city government also reiterated its call to stop illegal buying and selling of lots in relocation sites, warning that such activities delay the completion of an accurate beneficiary masterlist and undermine the purpose of the housing program./PN
