Presidential Decree 957
Also known as: Presidential Decree 957 · PD 957 · Subdivision and Condominium Buyers' Protective Decree
Definition
Presidential Decree 957 (PD 957) is the foundational law regulating the sale and development of subdivision lots and condominium units in the Philippines. Enacted in 1976, the decree provides comprehensive buyer protection guidelines, requiring developers to obtain a License to Sell (LTS) from the DHSUD prior to marketing properties, and dictating rules for infrastructure standards and buyer refunds. (Official Gazette)
Identities
| Source Type | Identity |
|---|---|
| Wikipedia | Presidential Decree 957 |
| Wikidata | N/A |
| DBpedia | N/A |
| ProductOntology | N/A |
| Wiktionary | N/A |
| Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH) | Real estate development — Law and legislation — Philippines |
| MeSH | N/A |
| NCBI Taxonomy | N/A |
| AGROVOC | N/A |
| Google Scholar | Presidential Decree 957 buyer protection developer license subdivision |
| ConceptNet | N/A |
| OpenCyc | N/A |
Also Known As
- Presidential Decree 957
- PD 957
- Subdivision and Condominium Buyers’ Protective Decree
Examples and Analogies
- DHSUD Enforcement: The administrative process where DHSUD suspends a developer’s license under PD 957 due to construction delays.
- Presidential Decree No. 957: The main canonical article details the full history, legal provisions, and buyer refund rights of this decree.
Usage Scenarios
1. Verifying developer license
A buyer verifies the PD 957 registration certificate and LTS number on a condo brochure before reserving a unit. (Source)
2. Filing for a refund
An installment buyer files a petition at DHSUD to recover 100% of payments after the developer fails to complete the subdivision on time. (Source)
Strategies
- Cross-reference buyer protection rights with the main Presidential Decree No. 957 article for detailed legal provisions.
- Confirm that the contract to sell is formally registered at the Registry of Deeds as required under PD 957.
Security and Safety Measures
- Verify the developer’s performance bond is active at the DHSUD registry before making large down payments.
- Review the project’s master deed to ensure it conforms to the development standards established under PD 957.
Historical Context
PD 957 was signed on July 12, 1976 by President Ferdinand E. Marcos to eliminate rampant real estate scams, double-selling, and project abandonments. The decree created a centralized regulatory authority, HUDCC/HLURB, whose functions were later absorbed by the DHSUD in 2019 to strengthen real estate consumer protections. (Official Gazette) (Source)
Challenges and Controversies
Unlicensed Pre-selling
Some developers market properties under ‘letters of intent’ to bypass the pre-selling license requirements of PD 957.
Enforcing Court Orders
Compelling developers to pay full refunds and interest under Section 23 can require prolonged administrative litigation.
Related Topic
- Presidential Decree No. 957
- License to Sell
- Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development
- Contract to Sell