A five-year dispute within the Multinational Village Homeowners Association Inc. (MVHAI) in Parañaque City has finally come to an end with a recent settlement. The disagreement centered around the holding of an election in 2019, which was subsequently challenged in court by a group of homeowners who claimed that it was conducted under unratified 2018 by-laws. In April 2022, the association held another election, further complicating the situation.
However, in 2022, the Court of Appeals ruled that the 2019 election was indeed valid. This decision was later upheld by the Supreme Court, putting an end to the legal battle. As a result of the Supreme Court’s ruling, the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB) issued a resolution on February 29, annulling the 2022 election.
Norman Jacinto Doral, the HLURB National Capital Region director, clarified that the 2019 board, led by Arnel Gacutan as president, would continue to serve in a holdover capacity. The HLURB also ordered the officers who were elected in the 2022 election to transfer the association’s books, records, funds, properties, and other assets to Gacutan’s board within 15 days.
Doral emphasized that only the incumbent board, with Gacutan and his vice president at the helm, had the authority to call for an election in accordance with the association’s by-laws. Consequently, Doral directed Gacutan to begin preparations for the 2024 board of directors election.
This settlement brings a resolution to a long-standing dispute that has caused division and uncertainty within the Multinational Village Homeowners Association Inc. It is a significant step towards restoring stability and ensuring the association can move forward with a clear and legitimate leadership.
The involvement of the Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court in this case highlights the importance of adhering to legal processes and upholding the rule of law. The courts’ decisions provide clarity and validation to the association’s election procedures, ultimately strengthening the integrity of the democratic process within the homeowners association.
It is worth noting that disputes within homeowners associations are not uncommon and can arise due to various reasons, such as disagreements over by-laws, election procedures, or the allocation of resources. In this case, the disagreement over the validity of the 2019 election led to a protracted legal battle that required the intervention of higher courts to reach a resolution.
The settlement reached in this dispute serves as a reminder of the importance of clear and ratified by-laws within homeowners associations. By ensuring that by-laws are properly established and ratified, associations can minimize the potential for disputes and legal challenges in the future.
Moving forward, it is crucial for the Multinational Village Homeowners Association Inc. to focus on fostering unity and collaboration among its members. Open communication, transparency, and inclusivity are key to maintaining a harmonious and productive community.
In conclusion, the settlement of the long-standing dispute over the homeowners association election in Parañaque City brings much-needed closure to the Multinational Village community. The involvement of the Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court has provided legal validation to the association’s election procedures, reaffirming the importance of adhering to the rule of law. As the association looks towards the future, it is essential to prioritize unity and collaboration to ensure a prosperous and harmonious community for all its members.
Source: The Manila Times
