Press Release
November 26, 2013

By spreading itself way too thin
Nancy hopes DILG can still manage housing projects

With the P100 billion proposed 2014 budget for the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) finally approved by the Senate, Sen. Nancy Binay expressed hope that the agency would not bungle the momentum in providing shelter for informal settlers.

The Senate in plenary has approved on Monday the DILG's proposed budget for 2014, wherein P1.2 billion was strangely incorporated for relocation and housing intended for informal settlers in Metro Manila.

"The DILG already has a plateful of responsibilities, we can only hope that the DILG can effectively manage all of its functions without compromising the people's welfare," Binay said.

Binay particularly challenged the DILG's P700 million proposed allocation for housing projects for informal settlers. She pointed out that, under Executive No. 90, that the national Housing Authority (NHA) is tasked as the "sole government agency engaged in direct shelter production."

With all the directed and attached functions of the DILG, Binay said she wishes that the department can effectively perform all the responsibilities under its sleeves.

Senate Finance Committee chairman Francis Escudero, who defended the DILG budget during the deliberations, said that the project execution for housing programs is not solely under the NHA. He added that the DILG will still consult with the National Housing Authority (NHA) upon the implementation of these projects.

"Currently, the DILG is at the helm of the relief, rehabilitation and restoration efforts in Central Visayas, as well as other areas hit by natural calamities including the Zamboanga siege. From my standpoint, I believe that the DILG already has a gargantuan task. I just hope that DILG would be genuine to its undertaking and to constantly consult with NHA when it comes to the technical aspect and execution of housing programs," Binay said.

Last week, Sen. Jinggoy Estrada questioned the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) for not allocating any budget for the NHA to fund housing programs for calamity victims.

Escudero said he will find ways to get NHA the needed funding for housing programs for the victims of calamities that hit the country in the past few months, but Escudero did not explain where the funds would be taken from.

News Latest News Feed