Newly appointed Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling has ordered the faster resolution of complaints from homebuyers against property developers.

In a circular issued shortly after his oath-taking on Thursday, Aliling directed DHSUD regional offices to submit bi-weekly reports on the status of complaints to the Central Office to ensure timely handling.

“Homebuyers and other real estate clients encountering problems deserve better from DHSUD,” Aliling said in a statement. “We must exhaust all possible means within our authority to address these concerns fairly, transparently, expeditiously, and, as much as possible, without added stress and cost to homebuyers.”

Aliling also said the agency would develop a mechanism to escalate unresolved complaints directly to the Office of the Secretary for faster action.

He added that the DHSUD would study how it can assist homeowners’ associations to help them resolve issues without resorting to legal action.

“Isama na rin po natin dito yung mga problema ng mga homeowners’ association – aaralin natin paano makatulong ang DHSUD sa inyong mga problema para hindi na po kayo umabot sa demandahan,” he said.

Homebuyers and others with concerns can submit complaints via email at [email protected] or through the department’s Facebook page @DHSUDgovph.