HLURB orders polls for new BF execs

The Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB) ordered the members of the Management Committee (Mancom) created by to run the affairs and conduct an audit of the financial records of the United BF Homeowners Association Inc. (UBFHAI), to hold elections for new officers of the residents’ association within Feb. 21, 2008.

HLURB officials who refused to be identified, explained that the Mancom, headed by lawyer Aristotle Sarmiento, has more than two weeks to conduct an elections and complete the audit of the association’s financial records.

The HLURB had directed the Mancom to submit its audit report on or before Feb. 8, 2008.

“Further, the said committee is hereby ordered to call and conduct the regular elections of the UBFHAI within 30 days from the receipt hereof in accordance with the procedures set by the association’s by-laws,” the HLRUB resolution noted.

The order, which was officially received by the Mancom on Jan. 21, 2008, was signed by Commissioners Teresita Desierto; Jesus Pang; Arturo Dublado; and Romulo Fabul, who is also chief executive officer (CEO) of the HLURB.

Officials issued the clarification after being informed of confusing interpretations of the resolution by opposing groups who are still battling for control of the homeowners association.

Unless the HLURB order is followed, UBFHAI president Celso Reyes is expected to again claim authority over the organization and the whole of BF Homes of Parañaque on the argument that the Mancom’s term has expired, much like what happened last month.

It can be recalled that the HLURB, in its Nov. 8, 2007 order, gave the Mancom only 60 days to complete its audit of UBFHAI’s finances because of allegations of graft being hurled against the president and some of his officials.

However, the body failed to complete the task and on Jan. 8, 2008, Reyes reclaimed his role of running the affairs of the association believing that the Mancom’s mandate has ended.

The incident prompted the HLURB to issue another order, which was announced by Vice President Noli de Castro himself, that it is extending the Mancom’s term for another 30 days.

At present, opposing groups are still unable to resolve their differences since the other claims it has the HLURB’s mandate while the other says they have the mandate of the people.