DHSUD pushes zero tolerance for corruption in housing sector

Even one percent of corruption should not be tolerated, both by government and the private sector, if the country is to achieve meaningful development, Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling said.

Speaking at the Housing Summit organized by the Organization of Socialized and Economic Housing Developers of the Philippines (OSHDP) on Tuesday, Aliling urged top officials of member companies to support President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s campaign against corruption. He said the housing sector should serve as a model for transparency and good governance.

“Even 1 percent of corruption is unacceptable. Both the private sector and the government should work together to achieve zero corruption in the housing sector,” Aliling said, drawing applause from stakeholders. He added that the housing industry must demonstrate that it can achieve zero corruption in order to inspire other sectors to follow.

Aliling has introduced reforms in his first 90 days in office under DHSUD’s 8-Point Agenda, in line with the administration’s “Bagong Pilipinas” brand of proactive governance. These reforms include a zero tolerance policy for corruption, streamlined processes, digitalization, and the recalibration and expansion of the flagship Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program.

The initiatives have received support from stakeholders, with at least 42 private developers committing to build more than 250,000 housing units under the expanded 4PH. Various urban poor groups and civil society organizations have also been engaged as part of DHSUD’s participative approach.

The statement comes as investigations are ongoing into corruption allegations involving billions of pesos worth of government flood control projects. President Marcos Jr. himself recently flagged “ghost” and substandard projects during on-site inspections.

“It’s a matter of political will. Let us help President Marcos Jr. in fighting corruption so that the country can finally achieve progress,” Aliling said.