The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) on Monday assured the public that its regulatory services remain on track, with License to Sell (LTS) applications being acted upon within the prescribed period, based on reports and certifications from all regional offices.

The LTS is an official permit issued to real estate developers to market, advertise, and sell subdivision lots, condominium units, and house-and-lot packages to the public.

In a statement, DHSUD disputed claims of a “20-year low” in LTS issuances, saying current figures and full-year projections show that approvals and issuances for 2026 are comparable with recent years and are on track to match or even surpass previous performance levels.

The department attributed the performance to reforms under Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling’s eight-point agenda, introduced when he assumed office in 2025.

The agenda seeks to streamline processes, digitize systems, create an enabling regulatory environment, protect homebuyers, balance stakeholder interests and curb corruption.

DHSUD said a strategic review, followed by systematic centralization and regional decentralization, helped identify workflow bottlenecks and improve operations.

Under newly implemented policies, including digitalization and a strict 15-day action timeline, DHSUD said it has maintained eight consecutive weeks of zero overdue regulatory applications across all regional offices.

Every LTS application within the prescribed period is acted upon through approval, denial, or the issuance of a Notice of Deficiency of Requirements.

To maintain project momentum while ensuring compliance, the department also introduced the Temporary License to Sell. It gives applicants one year to complete deficient requirements, allowing construction and project launches to proceed while deficiencies are being addressed.

DHSUD also said it remains on track, together with its attached key shelter agencies, to meet the administration’s target of 1.13-million housing units by the end of the term through direct housing production and targeted financial assistance programs.

While the department continues to work with private developers to address the country’s housing needs, DHSUD stressed that faster processing does not mean weaker regulation. It said it remains committed to protecting homebuyers, including overseas Filipino workers who invest their hard-earned savings in their dream of homeownership.

“We continue to improve our processes to speed up the delivery of services without sacrificing the protection of all our stakeholders, including homebuyers. Our goal is to enable more Filipino families to live with dignity by providing safe, decent, and affordable homes,” Aliling said.