QUEZON CITY — The Human Settlements Adjudication Commission (HSAC) recently concluded its 2024 Information Caravan, an initiative to enhance community engagement and awareness of the citizens’ rights related to real estate and homeowners’ associations. Held in various regions across the country, HSAC highlighted the protection it provides homeowners and the balance it creates between urban development and housing sustainability.
Six hundred seventy-five barangay officials, homeowners’ associations, and private lawyers joined the Information Caravan in Regions 1, 2, 12, and 13. During the interactive sessions and seminars, attendees learned about the cases that can be filed with HSAC and how the Commission decides on such disputes, gaining a deeper understanding of how the agency safeguards citizens’ rights and promotes justice in human settlements.
Atty. Fondador A. Cornejo of the Cornejo Law Office in Cauayan, Isabela, and a member of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP), stated: “There was a clarification on where to file cases if I encounter issues that fall under the jurisdiction of this Commission. Right now, I can honestly tell you that this is new to us lawyers. Before, we knew that we had to go to court. But now, there is the Adjudication Commission, where we can go to help our clients.”
Legal professionals also underscored the importance of raising awareness about HSAC’s impact. Atty. Jason R. Barlis, Chairperson of the Legal Education Board, also remarked that cases before HSAC are resolved significantly faster than those in the court, which makes justice swifter for litigants.
HSAC Executive Commissioner Melzar P. Galicia and Commissioners John-Christopher T. Mahamud and Michael P. Cloribel expressed their gratitude to the participants and stakeholders for being the agency’s partners in empowering communities with the knowledge of their rights and obligations as homeowners and buyers.
HSAC’s 2024 Information Caravan imparted insights to homeowners, community leaders, and legal professionals on navigating real estate and homeowners’ association disputes effectively. As the new year approaches, the Commission stays committed to ensuring prompt and fair resolution of disputes involving human settlements. (HSAC)
