Abalos wants housing allocation for OFWs

Former Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos said Monday he wants an allocation of a dedicated portion of the government's housing programs for overseas Filipino workers.

In a statement, Abalos said he had proposed to the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) the allocation of housing programs for OFWs, noting that they deserve the opportunity to own residences after years of working in other countries.

"I proposed to the good secretary, ‘Can we carve out a portion of every housing project for OFWs? Give them a chance to pay in installments and own a home.’ That’s what they should get," Abalos said during a gathering with OFWs in Singapore.

“You are the heroes of our country. Kayo yung nagreremit ng pera. But when you go back home, may bahay ba kayo na nahulugan? (You remit money but when you go back home, do you have a residence?),'' Abalos added.

Abalos is running for senator in Eleksyon 2025.

Aside from the housing program, Abalos also outlined his legislative priorities if he wins in the coming elections polls, including scrapping the value-added tax (VAT) on electricity to lower power costs.

During his visit in Singapore, Abalos stressed the need for the Philippine Embassy there to work closely with the Filipino community to ensure that the program reaches those who need it most.

"We need to coordinate this with your community and the embassy. Whatever housing projects exist in the Philippines should not be limited to those living there—OFWs should be included," Abalos said.

"I want to listen. I want to hear from you," he added. — Anna Felicia Bajo/RSJ, GMA Integrated News

For more Eleksyon 2025 related content and updates, visit GMA News Online's Eleksyon 2025 microsite.

For more Eleksyon 2025 related content and updates, visit GMA News Online's Eleksyon 2025 microsite.