NHA in “negotiations” with PNP, AFP to address “low occupancy rate” of NHA-built houses

AFP representatives were also invited to the joint hearing into the illegal occupation of National Housing Authority-built units in Bulacan by members of the Kalipunang Damayang Mahihirap. Some of the houses illegally occupied by Kadamay were intended for AFP and Philippine National Police personnel./ Meanne Corvera/Eagle News Service
AFP representatives were also invited to the joint hearing into the occupation of National Housing Authority-built units in Bulacan by members of the Kalipunang Damayang Mahihirap. Some of the houses occupied by Kadamay in the province were intended for AFP and Philippine National Police personnel./ Meanne Corvera/Eagle News Service

(Eagle News Service) — The National Housing Authority has begun “negotiations” with the boards of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police in charge of awarding NHA-constructed housing units to their personnel.

Marcelino Escalada Jr., NHA general manager, said during the joint congressional hearing into the illegal occupation of NHA units in Bulacan by the Kalipunang Damayang Mahihirap on Monday that this was to address the low occupancy rate of  NHA-built units.

Senator JV Ejercito, who called for the joint hearing, said the rate was at 8.09 percent as of January 28, 2017.

“These are two boards supposed to be giving awards to members of the AFP and PNP. The role of the NHA is to produce and finance housing projects..The awards are done by both boards,” Escalada said.

All in all, he said seven NHA sites in Bulacan were “occupied” by Kadamay members on March 8.

Five, he said, were intended for Metro Manila residents in danger zones, while two were for AFP and PNP personnel.

Out of the 15612 lots generated, he said those occupied by “qualified beneficiaries” were 9660.

He said the rest of the 5262 lots were occupied by Kadamay. With a report from Meanne Corvera, Eagle News Service