LGUs urged to work with DHSUD in fight vs. real estate scammers

Del Rosario noted that the accreditation and license to sell could prevent the developer from building a substandard housing project. (File photo: Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development/Facebook)

MANILA – Housing czar Secretary Eduardo del Rosario called on local government units (LGUs) to integrate their efforts with the national government’s fight against illegal activities related to real estate property and other housing projects.

Del Rosario made the call after receiving various reports that an ongoing massive development project in Baguio City has no permit from the LGU and is not registered with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).

Del Rosario immediately ordered to investigate the project.

He also warned to issue a cease and desist order against the developer, if necessary.

“So kailangan po natin ang (We need)partnership between the national and local governments, para magawa ang tamang implementasyon (to make proper implementation). Ang problema natin sa walang permit or walang lisensya, maaaring sub-standard ang kanilang ginagawang housing project (The problem when they don’t permit or license, the housing project might become sub-standard),” del Rosario said during his visit in Baguio City on Thursday.

Del Rosario noted that the accreditation and license to sell could prevent the developer from building a substandard housing project.

“Ang kailangan lang po natin diyan, tignan ‘yung project kung meron silang (There is a need to look into the project’s) accreditation from the Department of Human Settlements and if they have a license to sell, kung wala po ‘yan illegal ang project (if they don’t have a license to sell, the project is illegal),” he said.

Del Rosario has vowed to stop illegal transactions in the housing and human settlement projects.

“We must report scammers. We must report illegal construction of any housing project and we must report brokers and salespersons without a license or permit to be brokers or salespersons,” he said.

Del Rosario said the government has intensified its campaign against real estate scammers, including unscrupulous developers, brokers, and agents engaged in the illegal selling of real estate properties.

“Yan po ang kampanya ngayon ng (That is our campaign in the) Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development, to protect the interest of our partner-developers and the legitimate contractors nationwide,” he added.

Del Rosario reiterated the department’s goal to avoid substandard housing projects under the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte.

“Let me assure you that all housing units and projects under the Duterte administration are of good quality yet affordable,” del Rosario said, vowing anew to provide adequate, resilient, and low-cost homes for Filipino people.