Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero on Tuesday led the chamber in approving on second reading Senate Bill No. 70, which exempts underprivileged and homeless individuals from posting supersedeas bonds when appealing ejectment cases.The measure, authored by Sen. Rodante Marcoleta and sponsored by Escudero as chair of the Committee on Urban Planning, Housing and Resettlement, strengthens legal protections for vulnerable families facing eviction by amending Section 28 of the Urban Development and Housing Act of 1992.
“Magandang hakbang ito para sa ating mga kababayan. Ibig sabihin po nito, dahil sa ating isinulong na amendment, hindi mawawalan ng pagkakataong umapela ang mahihirap nating kababayan kahit wala silang kakayahang magbayad ng bond,” Escudero said.
A supersedeas bond is a payment required by courts to stay the execution of an eviction order while an appeal is pending, often serving as a financial hurdle for indigent families.
“Eviction or demolition as a practice shall be discouraged. Eviction or demolition, however, may be allowed when there is a court order for eviction, provided that no supersedeas bond shall be required of underprivileged and homeless citizens to perfect an appeal,” the veteran legislator said.
On the floor, Escudero introduced an amendment proposed by Sen. Erwin Tulfo, which senators adopted before advancing the bill for third reading.
To prevent potential abuse of the law, however, indigent appellants must submit proof of indigency and homelessness within the appeal period, supported by a social case study report prepared by the city or municipal social welfare office.
Following the approval of the amendment, the Senate closed the period of individual and committee amendments, clearing the path for the bill’s third and final reading.