The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) is accelerating efforts to resolve long-standing disputes between homebuyers and developers, clearing more than 1,100 complaint cases in less than two months under its Zero Backlog Program.
Since launching mass conciliation activities in May, the agency has resolved 1,174 complaints through proceedings at its Central Office in Quezon City and Regional Office IV-A in Calamba City, with similar initiatives now underway across regional offices nationwide.
The complaints largely involve some of the housing sector’s most persistent issues, including the delayed delivery of land titles, failure to turn over housing units, incomplete subdivision development, and the sale of projects without the required licenses.
The initiative reflects a broader effort by the Marcos administration to strengthen consumer protection in the property market while improving regulatory efficiency. Faster dispute resolution not only provides relief to affected homebuyers but also offers developers a more predictable process for settling cases, helping reduce legal bottlenecks that can delay project completion.
Housing Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling said the program aims to deliver quicker and fairer resolutions while safeguarding the interests of both buyers and developers.
“The positive feedback from our stakeholders affirms that responsive public service creates confidence in government. Through our Zero Backlog Program, we will continue ensuring that complaints are resolved faster while balancing the rights of both homebuyers and developers,” he said.
The department’s push extends beyond mediation. On Thursday, DHSUD and the Social Housing Finance Corporation awarded Transfer Certificates of Title to 133 families from the Sitio Sto. Niño de Pasig Homeowners Association in Antipolo City, completing the ownership process for around 460 beneficiaries who had waited nearly four decades to secure legal ownership of their land.
Senior Undersecretary Sharon Faith Paquiz said the department will continue strengthening conciliation services, arguing that faster settlements and the resolution of decades-old land tenure issues are key to restoring public confidence in the country’s housing sector.
