The Office of the City Building Official (OCBO) has called out 8990 Housing Development Corporation, developer of Deca Homes, for failing to provide essential documents needed by unit owners to process and secure their building permits, which is an obligation required under the National Building Code.
OCBO Officer-in-Charge Architect Khashayar Toghyani said over Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR) the issue surfaced after a Deca homeowner filed a complaint through Davao City Reports.
He added that the complaint was forwarded to OCBO, which immediately opened an investigation.
Before the probe was completed, Toghyani said the complainant had already escalated the matter to national hotlines, including 8888, and to the City Mayor’s Office (CMO).
“Timing kaayo nga naplastar among initial findings. So I called both the complainant and 8990 for a meeting,” he said.
According to Toghyani, the homeowner had hired an engineer to apply for a renovation permit.
However, because the property title had not yet been transferred to the buyer and remained under the corporation, the application required a Secretary’s Certificate and specific authorization from 8990 allowing the owner to modify or construct on the unit.
He said, instead, the developer issued only a “general” Secretary’s Certificate, one that authorized a Deca employee to apply for building permits on behalf of the corporation.
“In fact, ang gi-submit nga SecCert had nothing to do with the client’s application. Pag tan-aw namo, general man siya, dili specific sa owner,” Toghyani said.
He stressed that developers are required to issue proper corporate documents, including Secretary’s Certificates, Board Resolutions, proof of authority for representatives, and complete technical documents.
He warned that failure to do so not only delays permit processing but may expose developers to administrative sanctions.
“Kamo dapat kasabot mo sa inyo’ng trabaho. Dili nato usabon ang balaod para sa inyong convenience (You must understand your obligations. We will not bend or change the law for your convenience),” he said.
Following the incident, OCBO released a public advisory reminding subdivision developers and commercial building owners of their duty to assist unit owners in securing all required building permit documents.
These include project-approved plans, locational clearances, technical documents, and corporate authorizations necessary to validate construction activities.
The advisory emphasized that non-compliance may lead to delayed or denied permits and potential legal consequences under existing laws and local ordinances.
Toghyani urged 8990 Housing and all developers to maintain transparency, cooperate fully with homeowners, and ensure that permit requirements are issued promptly.
“Gikan sa balaod, obligasyon gyud ni nila. Ang among mandate is to make sure everyone complies,” he said.
