DHSUD: Former MVHAI board members legitimate

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) has recognized the former board members of the Multinational Village Homeowners Association Inc. in Parañaque City as the MVHAI’s “legitimate” officers.

In a resolution dated Feb. 29, DHSUD regional director Norman Doral said the MVHAI election held in April 2022, wherein businessman Julio Templonuevo was elected president, had been declared null and void.

Doral said this is in accordance with the decision of the Court of Appeals (CA) that nullified the election of MVHAI’s board of directors in 2022.

The CA decision was affirmed by the Supreme Court in its April 26, 2023 resolution, which was deemed final and executory.

Following the rulings of both courts, the DHSUD declared as legitimate officers the board members of MVHAI who were elected in 2019.

In its three-page resolution, the DHSUD said the elected officials, headed by Arnel Gacutan, would serve as the village’s board members in a hold-over capacity until new officers are elected.

Doral has directed Templonuevo and other board members who were elected in 2022 to immediately turn over the books, records, funds and properties of the association within 15 days.

He has also ordered the incumbent board to create an election committee and call for an election of the 2024 board of directors.

Meanwhile, MVHAI officers and employees have appealed to village residents to pay their fees and other transactions to the “lawful” 2019 board of directors following the DHSUD resolution.