A MONTHLY rental housing subsidy of P3,500 for informal settler families (ISFs) has been proposed in the House of Representatives. House Bill 7230 was filed last Jan. 21 by Leyte 1st District Rep. Martin Romualdez and Tingog Representatives Yedda Marie Romualdez, Andrew Julian Romualdez, and Jude Acidre. "Financial aid to low-income families or displaced individuals helps afford decent housing in the rental market, acting as a flexible safety net when permanent solutions are not immediate. This gives better access to jobs/schools, and often serve as a bridge until permanent housing is available," the authors said in the bill's explanatory note. The bill aims to establish the Rental Housing Subsidy Program that would provide social protection and support to ISFs "in accessing the formal housing market under the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD)." "It shall be made an option to address the temporary relocation of displaced families due to natural and man-made disasters," the bill read. Eligible for the subsidy are ISFs in the National Capital Region (NCR). For other regions, the subsidy would be determined by the DHSUD and the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). In determining the subsidy outside Metro Manila, the prevailing minimum wage and rental rates will be considered. The subsidy must not exceed the actual rent. The DHSUD and NEDA will review or revise the subsidy once every two years "to conform with the prevailing economic conditions." The subsidy will be granted until the date of completion of the permanent housing project intended for ISFs, or once they actually transfer to the permanent housing project. The subsidy can be extended if the completion of the permanent housing project is delayed. Section 3(b) of the bill defines an ISF as a household “living on a lot, whether private or public, without the consent of the property owner; or those without legal claim over the property they are occupying; or those living in danger areas such as esteros, railroad tracks, garbage dumps, riverbanks, shorelines, and waterways, as defined in Section 3(e) of" Republic Act 11201 or the DHSUD Act. The ISF must not "move or relocate back to the area in which they were originally living in unless such move or relocation has been permitted by the proper government authorities..." The ISF must also pay the lessor the "portion of the rental fee not covered by the subsidy." Beneficiaries "who maintain good payment standings shall be prioritized as beneficiaries in government housing programs," the bill stated. Funding for the measure will be included in the annual national budget.