Pangasinan: Vice Governor Mark Ronald Lambino is urging Pangasinan residents to be vigilant when buying subdivided lands. This came as the provincial board is set to conduct an inquiry in aid of legislation on the alleged rampant sale of illegal subdivisions and subdivided lots in the province.

According to Philippines News Agency, Lambino said there is an alleged proliferation of illegal subdivisions and the sale of lots without the necessary documents. “There will be a committee hearing in aid of legislation to look into this,” he said. He added that they will invoke Section 16 of the Local Government Code, or the General Welfare Clause, which grants all local government units (LGUs) the power to promote the general welfare of their inhabitants. The inquiry will determine if processes are being followed and will allow the board to take action on any irregularities.

Board member Philip Theodore Cruz, chair of the Committee on Housing, Lot Utilization, and Agrarian Reform, said there has been a surge in residential developments in the province over the past years. He noted that while this may be a sign of progress, it has also opened the door to a disturbing trend. “An increasing number of subdivisions are being developed without necessary permits, clearances, and compliance set by law,” he said.

Cruz said illegal subdivisions are not just technical violations of land use policies but also pose threats to the safety, well-being, and rights of citizens. “Many of these lack access roads, drainage systems, potable water supply, and even electricity infrastructure. Buyers are not aware that the purchased properties are not properly vetted or approved,” he added.

The board members are set to conduct a committee hearing in the coming days to identify the scope and scale of this alleged illegal practice and determine gaps in enforcement, monitoring, and coordination among LGUs and national government agencies.