House OKs Condominium Act

MANILA, Philippines — With tower dwelling becoming popular among Filipinos, the House of Representatives has approved on third and final reading a bill that will provide for the redevelopment of condominium units in the Philippines.

With 188 votes without objection, the chamber approved House Bill 10173 or The Condominium Act.

The measure is in substitution of HB 7618 filed by San Jose del Monte City Rep. Florida Robes.

HB 10173 establishes the rules for the proper maintenance, repair, reconstruction and redevelopment of condominium projects.

It seeks to establish livable communities that provide equitable, inclusive and resilient opportunities for the improvement of human well-being while contributing to the economic vitality of the communities.

The bill is “meant to ensure the safety and integrity of existing and future condominium developments to protect the public against hazards of aged buildings that pose threats to the owners and the general public,” according to Speaker Martin Romualdez.

“It ensures that the property rights of unit owners are respected while addressing the needs of the community and improving the overall quality of life of Filipinos,” Romualdez maintained.

The bill provides that developers and their agents may be allowed entry to a unit during emergency situations where there is danger to life or property, or for maintenance purposes relative to common areas.

As part of its key provisions, it reduces the voting requirement for the dissolution of a condominium corporation from 70 percent to a simple majority for projects that have been condemned or expropriated or projects that are no longer viable.