The bicameral conference committee on the proposed 2026 General Appropriations Bill (GAB) retained a reduced allocation for the Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), citing low utilization rates.
House Committee on Appropriations chairperson Rep. Mikaela Angela Suansing on Tuesday said the House proposal kept DHSUD’s budget at PHP3.09 billion, consistent with the National Expenditure Program (NEP).
Senate Committee on Finance chairperson Sherwin Gatchalian said the DHSUD allocation covers agency operations and technical services, including general management and supervision, technical advisory services to local government units (LGUs), monitoring of subdivision and condominium projects, and assistance in land use and zoning plans, with only PHP35 million set aside under the 4PH program line item.
During the deliberations, Rep. Brian Yamsuan urged the government to prioritize land acquisition and explore in-city housing solutions, particularly in highly urbanized areas such as Metro Manila, to prevent displaced families from returning to informal settlements.
“Kung ilalagay natin sila sa malalayong lugar, babalik pa rin sila sa pinanggalingan nila (If we place them in far areas, they eventually return to where they originally came from),” Yamsuan said, stressing that in-city relocation would be more sustainable for urban poor families.
Sen. Erwin Tulfo questioned the sharp reduction in the 4PH allocation, noting that the program is one of the administration’s flagship initiatives.
“Mula PHP700 million, naging PHP35 million na lang… parang 35 bahay na lang yata ang mabibili nito. Ano ang nangyari sa Pambansang Pabahay Program (From PHP700 million, it was reduced to just PHP35 million… that might only buy about 35 houses. What happened to the Pambansang Pabahay Program)?” Tulfo said.
Gatchalian said DHSUD underwent leadership and program changes, resulting in a comprehensive reform of the 4PH program and affecting implementation.
“In 2024, 5 percent lang ang utilization rate, at noong 2025, zero percent. Kaya mismong DHSUD ang nagsabi na may natitira pa silang pondo (In 2024, the utilization rate was only 5 percent, and in 2025, it was zero percent. That is why DHSUD itself said it still had remaining funds),” he said.
Gatchalian said funds were not removed but transferred to the National Housing Authority, following a revised policy framework where DHSUD serves as the policy-making agency while NHA acts as the government’s housing builder.
He added that the 4PH program would continue and is being expanded to benefit lower-income groups, despite the reduced budget line.
Tulfo supported calls to explore alternative housing approaches, including the possible use of idle or oversupplied condominium units in Metro Manila for socialized housing.
“Baka puwedeng tingnan ng gobyerno ang oversupply ng condominium units at i-subsidize ang amortization para sa 4PH beneficiaries (Perhaps the government can look at the oversupply of condominium units and subsidize the amortization for 4PH beneficiaries),” Tulfo said.
Gatchalian said this option is possible under the 4PH framework, noting that subsidies are focused on interest rates and amortization, subject to viable pricing of housing units. (PNA)