Senate approves rental subsidy program for displaced Filipino families

ASM, Philippine Canadian Inquirer
October 14, 2026

Photo courtesy: Bong Go | Facebook

MANILA, Philippines — Filipino families forced out of their homes by disasters, eviction or government infrastructure projects could receive temporary help paying rent under a measure that has cleared the Senate on third and final reading.

The Senate on October 8 unanimously approved Senate Bill No. 2503, or the proposed Rental Housing Subsidy Act, which seeks to institutionalize a government-funded rental assistance program for qualified households while they wait for permanent housing or relocation.

Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero, chairman of the Senate Committee on Urban Planning, Housing and Resettlement, sponsored the measure in plenary. He said the proposal is intended as transitional shelter assistance for families who may suddenly lose their homes but cannot immediately secure a permanent replacement. 

Priority would be given to families in critical housing situations, including those living in danger zones, on land needed for public infrastructure projects, or in areas considered unsuitable for habitation.

Under the bill, the amount of assistance would depend on prevailing rental rates in the area, the household’s housing needs and its financial capacity. The subsidy cannot exceed the actual rent being charged. It may be provided through direct rental payments or through vouchers that can be used in public rental housing. 

Qualified households could initially receive assistance for up to three years. The subsidy may then be renewed annually while a family remains eligible and has yet to move into permanent housing, subject to available government funding.

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go has separately advocated a similar policy. He filed Senate Bill No. 415, or the Rental Housing Subsidy Program Act of 2025, which also seeks rental support for displaced and underprivileged families. Senate records show that Go’s SBN 415 was filed in July 2025 and remained pending in committee before the consolidated housing measure advanced in 2026. 

The Rental Housing Subsidy Act was approved alongside other housing measures, including proposals encouraging the development of affordable rental units and easing housing obligations of qualified calamity survivors.

Senate approval does not yet make the subsidy program law. SBN 2503 must still complete the remaining legislative process before it can take effect.