The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) are stepping up efforts to protect property buyers from fraudulent real estate schemes.

The agencies met on Tuesday, 17 March, to coordinate a strengthened campaign against unscrupulous groups and individuals targeting unsuspecting homebuyers. DHSUD Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling said partnering with the NBI will enhance enforcement and improve safeguards for Filipinos seeking safe, affordable housing.

“It’s a big deal that we have the NBI with us in providing protection to our property buyers. This will allow us to further strengthen the campaign against scammers,” Aliling said in Filipino. He added that the collaboration aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to ensure citizens’ housing rights are protected.

Aliling noted that NBI expertise in investigation and law enforcement will bolster DHSUD’s ongoing measures to curb real estate fraud. “We need to work together to safeguard the rights of real property buyers, ensuring that the government remains proactive in curbing fraudulent activities and in advancing safe, secure, and legitimate housing for every Filipino,” he said.

Senior Undersecretary Eduardo Robles Jr. and other DHSUD officials joined the meeting, highlighting the government’s commitment to interagency cooperation and a whole-of-government approach in combating scams.