Every year, new vacation destinations are discovered here in the Philippines. But despite that there is always new destinations being discovered, there are always places that are an oldie but a goodie; classic and timeless destinations that is perfect for any time of the year—Baguio city is one of those destinations that is a classic and timeless place to go to.

Baguio city is the all year-round favorite destination of many people from in and out of the country. It doesn’t seem to be a place that runs out of things to see and also activities to do. No wonder why there are many people who want to go here; it is every tourist’s dream. The cold weather is so inviting, and it is exactly what we need, most especially many parts of the Philippines remains to have a humid climate. Recently, the weather in Baguio is even cooler than the usual which is why even if the year has only just begun, the number of visitors in the city are pouring in. In line with this, barangay officials also look into how to make Baguio an even more tourist-friendly city. It isn’t just their climate that makes people go here but also the unique activities that can only be done here. The thrift shops, or Ukay Ukay, in Baguio offer quality clothes for a cheap price. This is uniquely Baguio because the number of shops and the variety of things they sell is almost overwhelming. You also don’t get to pick your own strawberries anywhere. Strawberry farms here allow you to do so. The historical and cultural sites here are also uncommon just like the BenCab Museum and Bell Church.

But more than just being a great tourist destination, Baguio has also started to become a homeowner’s dream home. A lot of retirees, couples with kids, and also millennials looking for their first owned property, choose Baguio as the place where to buy their own real estate property. The city is now being developed to be more than just a place where people would want to visit, to a place where people would want to stay and live in. Homes and condominiums being put up here are built to match the terrain and climate with a modern twist. Accessibility of basic necessities like supermarkets, schools, and hospitals are found almost everywhere, so residents of the city can have easy access.

All are developed with high quality. The city is undergoing all this, but still keeping in mind the serenity and tranquility vibe that the city exudes. Retirees will enjoy this as a place where they can relax and just enjoy their surroundings. Couples with children should choose this because safety and security is the utmost priority in the city, and there are a lot of good schools available. And millennials who are looking to buy their first property can look into Baguio because properties here are cheap but the value of it is high.

Baguio truly has grown leaps and bounds through the years. It is making itself not only a tourist destination, but also a dream home destination.

Aimed at safeguarding tenants form a sudden price increase to their rent, the Republic Act 9653—also known as the Philippines’ Rent Control Law—is a law designed to be with inherent scope and limitations.


Here’s a brief look at what this law entails:


What kind of housing it covers?


According to the law, R.A. 9653 covers all residential units within and outside Metro Manila whose monthly rental fee does not exceed P10,000 and P5,000, respectively.


How much price increase is allowed?


All residential units that charges not more than P4,999 per month are not allowed for a price increase of more than 2% per year. Price increase is still allowed but it should not exceed 2% based on the current monthly rate.


For residential units which charges an amount set between P5,000 and P7,999, a price increase exceeding 7% is not permitted, with the caveat that the unit is under rent by a tenant.


Lastly, for residential units whose charging monthly rate is set between P9,000 and P10,000, no further price increase is allowed past the derived 11% from the monthly rate.


Are commercial properties like motels or hotels included in this law?


No, they are not as they are not classified as “residential units,” but rather are commercial properties of only similar purpose but not share the same extent.


Are rent spaces for students affected by this law?


The law did not specify the maximum limit by how much dormitories, boarding houses, etc. can have a price increase. But it explicitly stated that it can only be done once per year.


How about the 1-month advance, 2-month deposit principle?


By this law, any other term that go against the “one-month advance, 2-month deposit” is considered illegal.