Homebuilders group raises concerns over escrow rules

Land Registration Authority (LRA) administrator Gerardo Sirios graces the Chamber of Real Estate and Builders’ Associations Inc. (CREBA) 5th general membership meeting on Aug. 27, 2026 in Makati City. The meeting serves as part of CREBA’s preparations for its 2026 National Convention, themed ‘Beyond Shelter: Creating Communities, Transforming Lives’ which will be held in October in Cebu City. (Manny Palmero)

The Chamber of Real Estate and Builders’ Associations Inc. (CREBA) on Thursday raised concerns over escrow requirements, project reassessments and other regulations it said could make housing projects harder to finance and deliver.

CREBA national president Toti Cariño said the group would continue to oppose implementing rules that force developers to operate retroactively or unnecessarily restrict them.

“We believe that balanced housing policies must ultimately encourage more housing production, not make it more difficult to build homes and communities,” Cariño said during CREBA’s general membership meeting in Makati City.

Cariño said CREBA has engaged regulators on escrow requirements, the reassessment of projects with existing compliance clearances and restrictions involving the recently promulgated temporary license to sell.

He said the group continues to push for non-retroactivity, protection of vested rights and practical, commercially viable compliance rules.

CREBA said it is also monitoring proposed amendments to the balanced housing provisions of the Urban Development and Housing Act, which have passed third reading in the House of Representatives.

The group plans to intensify its Senate advocacy to preserve flexibility and account for land costs and urban development realities while promoting socialized housing.

CREBA is also pushing amendments to the Maceda Law, or Republic Act No. 6552, which protects buyers of real estate sold on installment.

CREBA also welcomed the deferment of the Real Property Valuation and Assessment Reform Act, saying it would allow more time for consultations, capacity building and the development of reliable valuation systems.

Cariño said the group would pursue a three-pronged strategy of engaging regulators, working with Congress and seeking legal remedies when necessary.

CREBA will hold its Luzon Regional Conference on Sept. 11 in San Fernando, Pampanga, followed by its 26th National Convention in Cebu from Oct. 21 to 23.

The article was originally published in Manila Standard and written by Othel V. Campos.

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