DHSUD shifts to high gear vs real estate scammers

DHSUD and REBAP stepped up efforts to curb illegal practices in the property sector.

The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) has partnered with the Real Estate Brokers Association of the Philippines Inc. (REBAP) to step up efforts in curbing illegal practices in the property sector.

Under the memorandum of agreement signed by DHSUD Secretary Eduardo Del Rosario, REBAP 2021 chairperson Emily Duterte and president Benevici Castro, the organization of licensed real estate brokers would be tapped as a resource partner in the Technical Working Group (TWG), which shall institutionalize the Department’s intensive drive against real estate scammers.

The TWG was established by virtue of a Joint Memorandum Circular on the formation of Anti-Illegal Real Estate Service Practices Inter-Agency Task Force, in partnership with the Department of the Interior and Local Government, among other national government and law enforcement agencies.

Secretary Del Rosario stressed the importance of joining efforts to put an end to unlawful activities preying on homebuyers. He also thanked the association for its commitment to propel this advocacy, emphasizing that its national clout is vital to catching real estate scammers.

“I would like to thank REBAP for their support to our campaign to go after illegal real estate groups who are victimizing our homebuyers,” Secretary Del Rosario said. “REBAP will certainly boost our campaign on the ground with their network nationwide. We will continue to work with relevant stakeholders in the human settlements and urban development sector to finally put an end to this crime.”

Under the MOA, REBAP would help monitor illegal practices in real estate. The “monitors” must observe the violations, document these, and secure evidence before they prepare a narration of violations committed against PD 957 or the Subdivision and Condominium Buyers Protective Decree, Republic Act No. 9646 or the Real Estate Service Act, and other laws governing the real estate industry.

The findings and documentation will then be submitted to REBAP’s national office for evaluation. Cases with sufficient merits will be forwarded to DHSUD for coordination of legal proceedings and apprehension through the authorized agencies.

For his part, REBAP 2022 chairman Armando Jim Ordonez Jr. vowed the full support of REBAP to stop the practice of “colorums” in the sector.

“With this agreement that we graciously accepted and supported, I am quite confident that our members will be emboldened to proactively participate in this laudable campaign. We must put an end to these kolorums that not only harm the unsuspecting public lured into transactions that lead to the loss of their hard-earned money, but also the economy as no tax is paid to the government in illicit real estate sales,” Ordonez said.