HLURB adopts rules to hasten settlement of housing disputes

The Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB) had approved new rules of procedure to fast-track the resolution of cases involving housing developers and home buyers as well as conflicts within homeowners associations, Vice President and housing czar Jejomar Binay said.

“We are making a conscious effort to strengthen the institutional capacities of the shelter agencies by reviewing procedures, streamlining operations, and taking concrete steps to improve efficiency,” he said.

The rules of procedure dispensed with certain steps to simplify the process for deciding cases filed or on appeal before the HLURB. The agency also shortened the period for finality of judgment from 30 days to 15 days. The HLURB is one of the shelter agencies under the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) which Binay heads.

“We believe that these reforms will enable the shelter agencies to work more efficiently and systematically to address different challenges in the housing sector,” the Vice President added.

Some of the reforms implemented by the HLURB include reducing the period to file answer from 15 days to 10 days from receipt of summons. The period to file position paper and draft decision had also been reduced from 30 days to 15 days.

Meanwhile, the period to file a counter memorandum has been reduced from 15 days to 10 days while the mediation proceedings have been limited to 30 days without further extension.

On the other hand, the period to file comment or opposition has been limited to five days from receipt without need for any order from the agency. –Daily Tribune