Quezon city: Human Settlements Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling emphasized the need for clean governance in housing programs, asserting that even the slightest trace of corruption should not be tolerated. He highlighted the necessity for both government and private sector cooperation to ensure transparency and accountability in the sector.

According to Philippines News Agency, Aliling made these remarks at the Housing Summit organized by the Organization of Socialized and Economic Housing Developers of the Philippines (OSHDP) on Tuesday. He stated that eliminating corruption in the housing sector would significantly contribute to national development, aligning with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s vision.

Aliling underscored that even a minimal level of corruption is unacceptable and called for collaborative efforts between the private sector and the government to achieve zero corruption in the housing sector. He urged stakeholders to demonstrate that the housing industry can serve as a model of integrity and transparency, supporting the President’s anti-corruption campaign.

In his initial 90 days as the head of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), Aliling introduced reforms under the agency’s eight-point agenda. These initiatives are consistent with the Marcos administration’s Bagong Pilipinas governance framework and include a zero-tolerance policy for corruption, process streamlining, digitalization, and the recalibration and expansion of the Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program.

The reforms have garnered support from stakeholders, with at least 42 private developers committing to deliver more than 250,000 housing units under the Expanded 4PH Program. Additionally, various urban poor groups and civil society organizations have been engaged through the department’s participative approach.

Aliling’s statements come amidst ongoing investigations into alleged irregularities in multibillion-peso flood control projects, where President Marcos himself discovered ‘ghost’ and substandard projects during inspections. Aliling urged collective support to help President Marcos Jr. fight corruption to achieve progress in the country.