MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Raffy Tulfo has raised concerns over complaints of an alleged “palakasan system” in the distribution of government housing, with municipal employees and people close to mayors and barangay officials reportedly being favored.
During Tuesday’s Senate budget hearing on the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) and its attached agencies, including the National Housing Authority (NHA), Tulfo said he was informed that some NHA housing beneficiaries already own properties or vehicles but were still included in the beneficiary lists because of their connections.
He also raised concerns that some politicians allegedly use government housing as a reward for their supporters.
“There is reportedly a rampant ‘palakasan system’ in the distribution of government housing. Those who are often given housing are the mayor’s people or the barangay chairman’s friends,” Tulfo said.
NHA General Manager Joeben Tai said that the agency bases its selection of beneficiaries on lists submitted by local government units (LGUs) or national government agencies for housing projects, including resettlement programs and housing for calamity victims.
Tulfo suggested that the NHA establish a dedicated unit to thoroughly vet housing beneficiaries instead of relying solely on lists submitted by LGUs and other government agencies.
He said such a unit could help ensure that housing units are awarded only to qualified beneficiaries. Tai agreed with the proposal.
