REBAP denies affiliation with advocacy coalition

CEBU, Philippines — The Real Estate Brokers Association of the Philippines (REBAP) has denied affiliation with A Better Real Estate Philippines (ABREP) movement.

In a letter furnished to The Freeman, signed by REBAP National President Benevici Castro and REBAP Vigilance Committee members Grace dela Rosa, Armando Jim Ordonez, Jr.

and Jose Luis Sanagustin, the organization clarified  that the group is not supporting ABREP’s cause, which is espousing the amendment of Real Estate Service Act of 2009 (RESA) Law.

This ensued after an article published in Philippine Star dated January 27, 2021 entitled “Real estate players to form advocacy coalition,” mentioned that REBAP was one of the organizations that supported ABREP.

“REBAP did not join the said advocacy coalition. Further, our Association does not support ABREP in terms of espousing what the group endorses for in the call to amend RESA 9646 with the amendments it wants to introduce, and neither do we recognize the forenamed Movement as the industry’s voice,” REBAP stated.

Ratified on June 29, 2009, the RESA Law recognizes the vital role of the real estate service practitioners in the social, political, economic development and progress of the country by promoting the real estate market, stimulating economic activity and enhancing government income in real.

ABREP upon its establishment in the year 2021, reasoned that amendments of the law is needed with the entry of digital economy.

ABREP was created as a movement that seeks to increase livelihood opportunities for Filipinos, promote the use of technology in real estate, and bolster the salesforce so that the backlog can be addressed.