I AM in government service for almost two years now, working on resolving real estate disputes in the region.
The Human Settlements Adjudication Commission (HSAC) is a vital institution established under Republic Act No. 11201. The creation of HSAC is a positive step towards building a more vibrant and sustainable real estate industry in the Philippines.
The HSAC replaced the then Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB) as the primary quasi-judicial agency mandated to adjudicate, among others, disputes relating to real estate development, homeowners association, and appeals from decisions of local and regional planning and zoning bodies. It handles cases and disputes that involve subdivisions, condominiums, memorial parks, and other real estate developments.
It is attached to the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) for policy, planning, and program coordination only.
It resolves issues on contractual obligations between real estate developers and buyers or homeowners. Likewise, it has jurisdiction over cases involving open spaces and common areas and their use by the developer, registered homeowner’s association, or informal settlers. Furthermore, it hears disputes on easements within and among subdivision projects and actions to annul mortgages executed in violation of Presidential Decree No. 957.
The mandate of the agency has been expanded to provide better protection to the real estate industry. It can help build trust and confidence in the industry, which is essential to the Philippines’ economic growth.
The HSAC has the authority to promulgate rules and regulations governing the hearing and disposition of cases before it and its Adjudicators, as well as those necessary to carry out its functions; to administer oaths, summon the parties to a controversy, issue subpoenas requiring attendance and testimony of witnesses or the production of such books, papers, contracts, records, statements of accounts, agreements, and other as may be material to just determination of the case; to hold any person in contempt directly or indirectly and impose appropriate penalties in accordance with law; and to exercise such other powers as are implied and necessary, or incidental to carry out the express power granted to the Commission.
The HSAC has regional offices around the country and here in Region VI, the new office is located on HSAC – RAB VI, Ground Floor, AMK Building, General Luna St., Iloilo City. The new office has more space, a nicer office or a better location that can make it more accessible to clients. This is an opportunity for public servants to operate and function efficiently and as a result, it will strengthen the sustainability of the office and promote growth.
If you need assistance with real estate dispute adjudication, you may visit the office at the given address and may visit the website at hsac.gov.ph./PN
