Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero on Tuesday expressed gratitude to his colleagues for their unanimous approval on final reading of Senate Bill No. 70, which exempts underprivileged and homeless individuals from paying a supersedeas bond to perfect an appeal in ejectment cases.
Following a 19-0 vote greenlighting the measure meant to strengthen legal protection for families facing displacement, Escudero said the reform measure will ensure that “no supersedeas bond shall be required of underprivileged and homeless citizens to perfect an appeal.”
“Lubos po akong nagpapasalamat sa ating mga kasamahan sa Senado sa pagpasa ng panukalang ito. Mahalaga ito para mabigyan ng patas na pagkakataon ang mahihirap nating mga kababayan na umapela sa korte kahit wala silang kakayahang magbayad ng supersedeas bond,” Escudero said.
“Ito ay isang hakbang tungo sa mas makataong proseso sa usapin ng demolisyon at pagpapaalis,” he added.
A supersedeas bond is typically posted by an appellant to suspend enforcement of a judgment while an appeal is pending.
The measure, sponsored by Escudero, amends Republic Act No. 7279, or the Urban Development and Housing Act, to ease barriers faced by indigent litigants in ejectment proceedings.
By removing the bond requirement, the bill ensures that financial hardship will not prevent families from pursuing appeals in cases involving their homes.
Courts may accept a certificate of indigency issued by the barangay, or similar documents, in place of the bond. Together with the appeal, this certification would be sufficient to stay execution of judgment.
The passage of SB 70 marks a significant step toward safeguarding the rights of underprivileged and homeless individuals, affirming that access to justice should not depend on one’s ability to pay.