Iloilo City mulls Housing Board

The Iloilo City Government is set to create a Housing Board to put in place the housing projects that are being implemented, including proper identification of beneficiaries.

“Next year, we will be creating a Housing Board which will be a department with a department head. All the functions of the Iloilo City Urban Poor Affairs Office (ICUPAO) will be included in the Board,” Mayor Jerry P. Treñas said.

It will be composed of the ICUPAO, City Legal Office, City Assessor’s Office, the Mayor’s Chief of Staff, Assistant City Administrator, Task Force Anti-Squatting and Illegal Structure, and barangay from where the applicant comes from.

They will approve all applications on housing and relocation to ensure there are no anomalies in the approval.

This stemmed from allegations of wrongdoings in ICUPAO that resulted to the immediate termination of services of two casual employees.

“The process of allocation of lots will be reevaluated in order to prevent wrongdoings. An Executive Order, which will already include the Housing Board members, will be in place,” Treñas said.

All allocation of lots and housing units for the past four years will be reviewed in view of the allegations that ICUPAO personnel are selling the same for a fee.

After verification, the Board will submit a recommendation to the Mayor who will approve the same.

An investigating committee composed of Atty. GV Cuñada as chairman, and members Atty. Jose Gelacio Lira and Atty. Joseph Edward Areño will be created.

All awards which are not proper or without basis will be cancelled and annulled and proper criminal and Admistrative cases will be filed as may be warranted. (Iloilo City PIO)