Protecting the public from unscrupulous practitioners

THE REAL ESTATE SERvice Act of the Philippines (Republic Act 9646), otherwise known as the Resa law, was instituted to professionalize and regulate the real estate practice in the country.

But the law that seeks to develop technically competent, trained and accountable real estate practitioners was recently met with criticisms saying it would deprive a lot of salespersons who have become successful despite their age or their lack of formal education.

“In order to protect the public from unscrupulous real estate service practitioners, the Resa law will now subject real estate consultants, appraisers, local government assessors and brokers to a licensing process—requiring them to pass a technical examination as well as comply with the program of continuing education and training, and observance set by the Professional Regulatory Commission’s Professional Regulatory Board of Real Estate Service,” explains Consolacion Agcaoili, Land Administration and Management Project II advocacy team leader.

Even salespersons, although not considered part of the professional group, will also have to undergo training and must secure accreditation from the PRC.

No enfranchisement

But this would not mean disenfranchising current practitioners or would put present organizational setup in disarray, Agcaoili assures.

“Let me assure everyone that the spirit of the Resa law is not to persecute sales people. This is why there is a need for an implementing rules and regulation team who will draw up the finer details. This is more important because it is from here that we could make changes, clarifications or improvements,” Agcaoili says.

Subdivision and Housing Developers Association national president Manny Crisostomo welcomed this announcement during the organization’s recent business meeting that invited officers from LAMP II.

“This is good considering that we were a bit surprised when the Resa law was signed last June 29. In the first place, we were not included in the groups that were consulted. Nevertheless, I believe by joining the team that will draft the implementing rules and regulation, SHDA would be able to include entries that would protect if not help our members and their staff,” Crisostomo says.

Involve every party

Perla Segovia, LAMP II adviser for advocacy consensus building adds that the Resa Law Implementing Rules and Regulation Team would involve every party, whether they are developers, marketing and sales staff.

“The Resa law’s IRR is more important because this is where the finer details of the law will be included. We are glad to work with SHDA considering they could provide us with important inputs so this law would be effective as well as just,” Segovia says.
Crisostomo pressed the need to work closely with the IRR team as they draft the exams for brokers as well as appraisers.

“The new law is expected to stimulate the property market, encourage investments in construction and development, generate employment and increase revenues for the government. But SHDA must also assure that our members as well as their staff would be protected if not benefit from this law,” Crisostomo says.

He announces that SHDA’s Bansan Choa will be one of the professional board members of the group that will help formulate Resa law’s IRR.

The IRR team informs that a draft would be available by next month so involved parties may review and make comments.

Source: Inquirer