The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development on Monday urged real-estate brokers to join hands with the government in going after real-estate scammers.
Secretary Eduardo del Rosario issued the call during the Real Estate Brokers Association of the Philippines’ 42nd Annual National Convention.
He recognized the group’s crucial role as intermediators in real-estate transactions, which places them in prime position as vanguards of the general public, legitimate developers and even brokers and salespeople.
“I take this opportunity to ask REBAP’s active participation in our campaign to protect not only the general public, but also your organization and members and legitimate developers,” Del Rosario said.
“The proliferation of real-estate scammers who prey on innocent homebuyers deprive you, the legitimate salespersons, of your hard-earned and professional livelihood.”
In October, the housing czar spearheaded the launch of an intensified campaign against real-estate scammers and directed all of his department’s regional offices to run after unscrupulous developers and real-estate brokers and agents engaged in the illegal selling of real estate properties.
The department is coordinating with other agencies, such as the Department of Interior and Local Government, Land Registration Authority, Department of Justice and local government units to halt such illegal activities.
Del Rosario expressed hope that the REBAP would be another ally in the campaign.
He praised the organization for its role in setting high standards among real-estate professionals, which makes them highly valued partners of the DHSUD in its aim of promoting sustainable human settlements and urban development nationwide.
“Together, with your cooperation and the support of other relevant government agencies, we can envision a prosperous and vibrant housing industry,” he said.
“Together, let us join hands in attaining President Rodrigo Duterte’s goal of providing each Filipino family with a decent, affordable and resilient home they can probably call their own.”