ILOILO City – The city government has reclaimed more than 90 housing units and lots from beneficiaries found to be violating program rules, with hundreds more now under review in a sweeping crackdown on misuse and non-occupancy of government-awarded properties.
The Iloilo City Local Housing Office (ICLHO) confirmed that 93 units have already been reverted to the city, while 453 more are under evaluation following inspections across relocation sites that uncovered widespread violations ranging from abandonment to illegal leasing.
ICLHO head Peter Millare said the move is part of a broader effort to restore integrity to the city’s housing program and ensure that assistance reaches families who genuinely need shelter.
“If the unit is not being used by the beneficiary, or worse, it is being rented out, then it means the purpose of the housing program is already defeated,” Millare said.
Inspections revealed that several units were left vacant, while others were allegedly being leased out — a direct violation of housing policies. In some areas, lots awarded more than a decade ago remained undeveloped, with no houses constructed.
“There are lots awarded more than 15 years ago, but until now, no house has been constructed. That is already unreasonable,” Millare said.
Despite the findings, the city is observing due process before reclaiming properties, giving beneficiaries the opportunity to explain their side before the Local Housing Board.
“Indi lang basta mare-revert ang unit. We give them the chance to explain their side through the Local Housing Board,” he said.
Millare noted that while the city remains patient and considerate, especially toward urban poor beneficiaries, continued non-compliance cannot be tolerated.
“Pero kung sobra na gid ka-unreasonable — gin-award na sa imo ang property for many years pero wala ka da nagaestar — then we have to recommend its reversion,” he added.
The reclaimed units are expected to be redistributed to qualified beneficiaries still waiting for relocation. However, those who lost their units may still reapply, but will be placed at the lowest priority level.
“They can still apply, but they will be among the least priority in the next allocations,” Millare said.
The city currently maintains around 8,750 housing units across relocation sites, including 3,390 house-and-lot or lot-only units, such as Kauswagan Residences and projects implemented with the National Housing Authority.
Millare stressed that the housing program is strictly for residential use and not for income-generating activities.
“Illegal gid ang pagparenta sang unit nga gin-award sa imo,” he said. “These housing units are meant to provide shelter, not business.”
He added that inspections will continue as the city moves to maximize the use of available housing and address the backlog of qualified beneficiaries awaiting relocation./PN
