Manila: The Human Settlements Adjudication Commission (HSAC) on Wednesday announced it has streamlined its legal procedures to make justice more accessible for homebuyers and homeowners, emphasizing that legal representation is not a requirement to file a case against erring developers.
According to Philippines News Agency, HSAC Office of the Commissioners Representative, lawyer Lorah Marie Nhel Alfiler underscored the commission's commitment to protecting the rights of property buyers, noting the inherent "imbalance" between large-scale developers and individual owners.
'Kami po sa komisyon namin, naniniwala kami na dapat mas protektahan ang mga buyers kasi mayroong imbalance between the developers and the buyers (In our commission, we believe that buyers must be better protected because there is a clear imbalance between developers and buyers),' Alfiler said in a Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon interview.
To address this, Alfiler highlighted the agency's 2025 Revised Rules of Procedure, which focus on speeding up the resolution of housing disputes. Under these updated guidelines, the commission has removed several barriers to filing.
'Sa aming agency, hindi kailangan ng abogado para mag-file ng kaso; second, ang aming complaint form ay puwedeng i-download sa aming official website; third din is, ang aming filing fees ay puwedeng bayaran through UPay or electronic payment (Our agency has streamlined the process for the public: first, a lawyer is not required to file a case; second, our complaint forms are easily downloadable from our official website; and third, filing fees can now be settled through UPay or other electronic payment platforms),' she explained.
The commission also conducts hearings via video conferencing for those unable to attend in person and maintains regional adjudication branches across every region in the country to ensure nationwide reach.
As the quasi-judicial arm attached to the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), the HSAC's jurisdiction is divided into three main areas: real estate development, homeowners associations (HOAs), and appeals from local government zoning bodies.
Alfiler clarified that buyers have the right to file for a refund if a property is not delivered within the agreed timeframe. For fully paid buyers, the commission can also mandate the delivery of land titles.
Regarding HOAs, the HSAC handles cases involving election complaints or mismanagement by officers.
This also extends to community associations organized under the administration's flagship Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program.
However, Alfiler noted a "thin line" in certain disputes, such as sudden increases in condominium dues, which are often classified as intra-corporate disputes and may fall outside their primary jurisdiction depending on the specific case.
Responding to reports of "fly-by-night" developers who abandon projects, the HSAC official urged the public to be proactive in defending their investments.
'Nais kong sabihin sa ating mga tagapakinig, kababayan na huwag po kayong mahihiyang magtanong o mag-file ng kaso sa amin dahil kayo po ay may habol sa inyong mga pinaghirapang pera (I advise our listeners and fellow citizens not to be afraid or ashamed to ask questions or file a case with us, because you have a rightful claim to the money you worked hard for),' Alfiler said.
She encouraged the public not to hesitate in filing legal actions to recover their hard-earned investments, noting that everyone shares the dream of owning a home.
For inquiries, the public may contact the HSAC through its hotline at 0917-8735384, email at [email protected], or via their official Facebook page (@hsacph).
