NHA asks Cebu City government to pay P5 million

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City government still owes the National Housing Authority (NHA) at least P5.521 million of collectibles as part of the investments downloaded to fund the city's socialized housing program.

This was discovered during an executive session yesterday, September 4, 2024, wherein the Cebu City Council had to look into the cases of reported disqualification of some of the beneficiaries of the city's socialized housing programs.

The proponent of the executive session, Councilor Nestor Archival Sr. said that a few marginalized constituents approached his office in hopes of being apprised of the reason for their disqualification in the housing program.

However, during the session, Division for the Welfare of the Urban Poor (DWUP) head lawyer Ronald Anthony Librando, among those summoned to appear, was not present to help give light to the matter.

The council's secretariat noted that it had been the second time that Librando was not able to appear at the council's invitation.

A report from DWUP signed by Librando was, however, transmitted to the council, citing figures of those delinquent, particularly 2,342 homeowners–42 of which have abandoned their respective assigned lots.

The DWUP earlier ruled that the beneficiaries’ disqualifications stemmed from the abandonment of their lot assignments and the delinquency in paying the amortization.

But Engr. Rezalino Cabahug, general manager of the NHA-7, said that they are not privy to the guidelines implemented by the DWUP.

Currently, there are at least 94 listed Homeowners Associations that NHA has assisted. It includes the Kalamboan Alang Sa Panimuyo sa San Roque (Kapasar) Homeowners Association which NHA downloaded and funded since last 2012.

According to Cabahug, in the Memorandum of Agreement signed, at least P2 million was allocated, but only P1.05 million was implemented while the remaining funds were returned.

Due payment for the investment made by NHA though is a separate concern and Cabahug said they did reach out to the Cebu City government but no response was received.

"There were series of communications being done in recovering the investments of NHA, however until now hindi pa nagbabayad ang City Government of Cebu City," said Cabahug.

This collectible has reached P5,521,804 as of August 21, 2024, which also includes the amount stemming from the delinquency of paying. Cabahug, during the discussion, has also taken advantage of seeking the council's help to lobby the said collectibles.

He added that there is also an ongoing HOA that the NHA is now providing technical assistance to– the Sugbo Homes. He also clarified that the NHA only provided funds for the development of lands, as well as the construction of houses. Upon completion, these will be turned over to the respective LGUs.

"What we learned is that the beneficiaries are paying, but under the payment nila kasi hindi na (specified) how much they will be paying the land, how much they will be paying the housing," he said.

Asked to elaborate on the matter, Cabahug read a letter from City Accountant addressed to the City Treasure which portion highlighted that: "This fund (NHA loan) was released to KAPASAR Phase 1, Barangay Budlaan Talamban Cebu City as loan, however per record of Cebu City as of February 2022 under Trust Fund proper account, the City of Cebu has collected a total amount of P174,032 from KAPASAR leaving a balance of P875,967 from the released load amount of P1.50 million." — /ATO (FREEMAN)