The Department of Justice (DOJ) reaffirmed its commitment to strengthen accountability and enforcement in the real estate sector during the Real Estate Brokers Association of the Philippines (REBAP) Integrity Summit held at the Orchard Golf Course in Dasmariñas City, Cavite.
Department of Justice undersecretary Atty. Ian Norman E. Dato
Organized by REBAP, the summit brought together stakeholders from the government and the private sectors to address illegal real estate practices and reinforce compliance standards across the industry.
Representing Justice secretary Fredderick A. Vida, Department of Justice Law Enforcement Cluster undersecretary Ian Norman E. Dato emphasized the importance of protecting public trust in an industry that shapes some of the most significant financial decisions of Filipinos.
Dato highlighted the growing concern over “kolorum” or unlicensed real estate practitioners, warning that unchecked illegal activity can erode trust in the market. “For many Filipinos, entering the real estate market begins with trust, a referral, a conversation, a person who offers guidance in what is often one of the most important financial decisions of their lives. But we also know that there are instances where trust is misplaced, placed in individuals and entities who do not possess the necessary licenses or qualifications under the law,” he said.
Dato noted that when violations are not consistently addressed, it creates a perception of impunity that ultimately harms both buyers and legitimate practitioners.
He underscored the importance of Republic Act No. 9646, or the Real Estate Service Act, which was enacted to professionalize the sector and establish standards of competence and accountability for practitioners.
The DOJ official also pointed to Joint Memorandum Circular No. 01, which aligned the efforts of multiple government agencies, including Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Land Registration Authority (LRA), Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), Philippine National Police (PNP), and the DOJ, in addressing illegal real estate activities through an inter-agency task force operating at national, regional, and local levels.According to Dato, the challenge now lies not in creating new mechanisms, but in fully implementing and strengthening the frameworks already in place.
“What we need now is to fully implement and strengthen what already exists. Because enforcement cannot be occasional. It has to be consistent. It has to be visible. It has to lead to consequences,” he said, adding that the DOJ steps in when violations rise to prosecutable offenses, particularly in cases involving unlicensed practice and fraud.
“These are not merely regulatory concerns. Unlicensed practice, and in more serious cases, fraud, may constitute criminal offenses,” he noted. Properly documented and evidence-backed cases are essential in ensuring accountability in court.
He also underscored the importance of industry organizations and private sector partners in identifying and reporting violations early to help prevent larger issues from arising.
The DOJ likewise recognized initiatives such as AKMove for helping bring attention to illegal real estate practices and strengthening calls for accountability within the industry.
“If we get enforcement right, if we align, coordinate, and act consistently, then compliance will no longer be the exception. It will be the norm,” he concluded.
