SENATOR Manuel “Lito” Lapid filed a proposed measure that seeks to provide a moratorium on rent collection and eviction of tenants of residential houses and commercial establishments in times of calamities and public emergencies.
In Senate Bill No. 973, the moratorium will be in effect until the government decides to life the State of Calamity or State of Emergency.
Once the law takes effect, the moratorium will be automatic on residential units or apartments, houses, dormitories, rooms and bed spaces.
For commercial or office spaces, it will be up to the discretion of the Secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry if this will also cover micro, small and medium enterprises or MSMEs.
The law, however, will not apply to renters who committed a crime and thus must be evicted, or those who pose risks against other renters.
Lapid earlier filed a separate proposed measure seeking a moratorium on the payment of educational loans during calamities and public health emergencies.