The CPDO received various complaints about raw lots, which Cortez said, have increased to an average of 80-100 cases per year in 2020-2021 as compared to an average of 4-5 per year before the pandemic.
“It really increased at the time of the pandemic,” he said.
In a report from the City Information Office (CIO), Cortez said that the Regional Task Force Against Illegal Real Estate Practices in Davao Region is eyeing to impose disciplinary actions against these individuals involved in selling raw lots.
Cortez said the Task Force came up with such a method to protect the people from buying raw lots, which according to him do not have the government permits for housing development.
“The PRC is involved so that the professionals involved in the signing of the documents relating to the raw lots will be given disciplinary action or maybe cancellation or revocation of license. The realtors, geodetic engineers and all the professionals whose signatures are reflected in the selling of the raw lots,” Cortez said.
He said that the involvement of licensed professionals is the main reason why many people are convinced about buying raw lots.
Cortez said the sale of raw lots usually involves a mother title but it cannot be subdivided because it is usually classified as agricultural and there is lack of documents.
“Usually, before the subdivision of lots is allowed, the Register of Deeds would look for the approved subdivision plan, a Development Permit approved by the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP), and the License to Sell from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (DHSUD),” Cortez further said.
He said the Davao City Business Bureau is tasked to track down businesses that register for other lines of business while selling raw lots. The Davao City Anti-Scam Unit is also part of the task force.
Cortez reiterates his advice to the public who are buying raw lots to check with their office if the classification of lots being sold is residential.
They should also check with the DHSUD whether there is already a License to Sell or if it is legitimate and not forged, Cortez added.
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