With around 80,000 condominium units in Metro Manila remaining unsold, Sen. Chiz Escudero is proposing to bring these properties into the government’s affordable housing program to make them available to Filipino families.
The proposal comes after the government ordered the elimination of Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) in 2024, weakening demand for condominiums previously marketed to the industry. The shutdown contributed to Metro Manila’s growing unsold property inventory, creating an opportunity to redirect available housing units toward Filipino homebuyers.
Escudero raised the proposal during a recent episode of his Chiz Wiz! Podcast with Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Undersecretary Marisol Anenias and Colliers Philippines Research Director Joey Roi Bondoc.
“Why build from scratch when there are already existing units that can be made available to our people?” Escudero asked.
The proposal could help Filipino families gain access to existing residential developments while allowing property developers to find buyers for units that have remained unsold.
Anenias confirmed that the DHSUD already allows developers to enroll excess housing inventory under the government’s Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program.
This existing arrangement provides a way to bring unsold condominiums into the government’s affordable housing initiative. Anenias acknowledged that developers may need to lower their profit margins or absorb losses to make the units more affordable.
Escudero also emphasized the need for financing arrangements that would allow ordinary Filipinos to purchase homes without facing unaffordable monthly payments.
“Housing is not simply a problem of supply,” Escudero said.
“The bigger challenge is making homes affordable for ordinary Filipinos through financing terms they can realistically pay every month,” he added.
