18/07/2026
For more than three decades in the homeowners association management, I have always believed that good governance is built on clear rules, due process, and consistency in implementation.
I would like to share a personal experience involving DHSUD Regional IV-A, not to criticize, but in the hope that it may contribute to constructive institutional improvements.
Sometime in February 2026, the Regional Office declared that the incumbent board of directors of an HOA was no longer qualified to continue serving because of the members' lack of residence within the territorial jurisdiction of the Association. Upon learning of this declaration, concerned homeowners immediately requested the appointment of an Interim Board pursuant to the applicable guidelines.
On 21 March 2026, the disqualified Board voluntarily tendered their resignation effective 22 March 2026, coinciding with the expiration of their term of office. Despite repeated e-mails, personal follow-ups and the agency's full awareness that the association would soon have no governing body, no Interim Board was appointed.
Faced with an impending leadership vacuum and the immediate need to maintain essential services such as security and garbage collection, a group of homeowners organized and appointed an Interim Board out of necessity. This action was not intended to bypass regulatory process but to ensure that the community continued to function while awaiting official action.
The Regional Director at that time was personally informed. A General Information Sheet (GIS), together with a detailed narrative explaining the circumstances, was submitted and duly received by the Regional Office.
Beginning 1 April 2026, the Interim Board assumed responsibility without any formal turnover with virtually no funds or records from the previous administration. Homeowners demonstrated remarkable support by paying their association dues - some even paying dues in advance, and approximately 60% of the members recognized and supported the Interim Board.
A new Regional Director assumed office on 25 May 2026.
The following day, 26 May 2026, an Order was issued motu proprio directing the conduct of a General Assembly on 24 June 2026 for the selection of an Interim Board under MC No. 2025 - 003.
Interestingly, the sitting Interim Board first learned of the Order through the subdivision developer rather than directly from the Regional Office. When copy was requested, it was initially unavailable, prompting the Interim Board President to personally obtain one from the office.
A Motion for Reconsideration was promptly filed. The concern raised was procedural rather than substantive. The Order relied on MC No. 2025 - 003, yet it appeared that the procedural requirements under Department Circular No. 2025 - 017 had not been fully observed. In particular, there appeared to have been no opportunity for the Interim Board to respond through the process contemplated by the Circular before the issuance of the Order.
The Order also stated that no record of election existed in the HOA docket. This was puzzling because the previously submitted GIS and accompanying documents have been duly received and stamped by the Regional Office. Had the prescribed procedures been followed, the Interim Board could have submitted the necessary sworn statements and supporting documents in response to any Notice of Violation.
Despite the pending Motion for Reconsideration, the General Assembly proceeded as scheduled on 24 June 2026.
One positive observation was the overwhelming willingness of homeowners to volunteer. In all my years in the HOA industry, I have never witnessed 55 individuals offering themselves as candidates for an Interim Board. The level of civic participation is commendable.
However, upon reviewing the list of candidates, I observed that many were reportedly non-paying members and that a significant number came from a phase that had long sought separation from the mother association. Since the final selection was conducted by drawing lots, one cannot help but wonder whether the unusually large number of nominees affected the statistical chances of members of the existing Interim Board being selected.
The events had also an unintended consequence: the association's collection efficiency reportedly declined significantly, affecting the community's financial stability.
Another matter that has contributed to uncertainty is that, although the selection took place on 24 June 2026, Certificates of Appointment had still not been issued several weeks later, leaving many homeowners uncertain about the authority and status of the selected Interim Board.
Subsequently, another development occurred when one of the phases located within the territorial jurisdiction of the HOA was registered as a separate homeowners association. That development deserves own discussion and will be the subject of a future post.
I share this experience not to assign blame or question anyone's intentions. Leadership transitions, staffing changes, and heavy workloads can affect any government office. DHSUD Regional Office IV-A itself has experienced several changes in Regional Directors within a relatively short period.
My hope is simply that the DHSUD Central Office may take a careful and objective look at the processes being implemented in Regional Office IV-A to ensure that due process, consistency, and timely action are uniformly observed. Doing so would not only strengthen public confidence but also better serve the thousand homeowners who rely on the Department for guidance and protection.
This is offered respectfully, in the spirit of continuous improvement and with the sincere hope that our institutions become even stronger.
