Shelter is one of man's basic needs. Through generations, man has sought shelter in various forms to protect himself from the elements. But shelter has become expensive through time. In the Philippine context, in particular, home ownership remains a dream to many Filipinos because of the high cost of owning a house and lot. Thus, almost every administration in the Philippine political arena has put shelter provision as one of its priority programs. For many Filipinos, though, the more feasible recourse to shelter is through rental, especially in urban areas like Metro Manila. And rent control has been a means aimed at helping them even as they continue to dream of owning their place of abode. The Rent Control Law was passed in July 2001 precisely as a way to ease the plight of house and space renters. What are the benefits of the Rent Control Law? Who stands to gain? Who stands to lose? These are some of the questions that Dr. Marife Ballesteros tries to put more light into in her study. Hopefully, those who are in the position to make the corresponding responses will see the light.
