Mountain Ranges

04/08/2026

PRC suspends real estate practitioners in Casa Infini administrative cases

By Mia Magdalena Fokno
August 3, 2026

BAGUIO CITY — Four investors have won administrative cases before the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) after the Board of Real Estate Service suspended licensed real estate practitioner Jennylyn Galletes Delos Santos-Floresca in all four complaints and Jacqueline Corel Melchor in two of them for violating the profession’s Code of Ethics and Responsibilities in connection with investment transactions involving Casa Infini.

The rulings, contained in four separate administrative decisions—two dated December 17, 2025 and two dated July 30, 2026—resolved complaints filed before the PRC-Cordillera against the two licensed real estate practitioners.

The Board emphasized that the cases involve administrative liability under Republic Act No. 9646, or the Real Estate Service Act of the Philippines, and do not determine any civil or criminal liability. It also stressed that administrative cases are decided based on substantial evidence, rather than proof beyond reasonable doubt.

Across the four cases, the Board imposed a two-year suspension on Delos Santos-Floresca. Melchor was likewise suspended in two cases, while the complaints against her in the remaining two were dismissed after the Board found no substantial evidence proving her direct participation in the questioned transactions.

The complaints were filed by Jemilee Galasgas Baladad (Administrative Case No. BAG 24-19), Jordan Banasen Sacpa (BAG 24-14), Shirlyn Cumahiling Guinyang-Pelila (BAG 24-13), and Liza Anyindan Ballawit-Pitas (BAG 24-18).

In the Baladad and Sacpa cases, the Board found both Delos Santos-Floresca and Melchor liable for unethical conduct and suspended their Certificates of Registration for two years.

In the Guinyang-Pelila and Ballawit-Pitas cases, however, the Board suspended only Delos Santos-Floresca and dismissed the complaints against Melchor, ruling that the complainants failed to present substantial evidence establishing her direct participation in the transactions.

In its decisions, the Board found substantial evidence that the respondents entered into written agreements with complainants involving investments tied to real estate projects, promised periodic investment returns, and later failed to comply with the agreements by failing to deliver the agreed returns and return the complainants’ capital despite written undertakings and repeated demands.

The respondents denied committing unethical conduct and argued that the transactions involved legitimate “Build and Sell Partnership Agreements,” rather than regulated real estate service. They maintained that Casa Infini’s financial difficulties stemmed from regulatory actions, including cease-and-desist orders issued by government agencies, and argued that allegations involving securities laws and possible criminal offenses fell outside the PRC Board’s jurisdiction.

The Board rejected those arguments, ruling that the transactions constituted real estate service covered by Republic Act No. 9646. It held that licensed real estate practitioners remain bound by the profession’s Code of Ethics whenever they hold themselves out as professionals and engage in transactions involving real estate, regardless of how the agreements are described.

The Board further ruled that issues involving securities laws or possible criminal liability are matters for the appropriate courts and government agencies, those proceedings do not prevent the PRC from determining whether licensed practitioners violated the ethical standards governing their profession.

In the July 30, 2026 decisions, the Board also denied the complainants’ requests for preventive suspension, ruling that no specific statutory or regulatory provision authorized such relief in the administrative proceedings.

The decisions require the suspended practitioners to file an Affidavit of Compliance before resuming practice, certifying that they have completed the suspension period and refrained from practicing real estate service throughout its duration.

The December 17, 2025 decisions likewise warned that any repetition of the same or similar offense could result in a longer suspension or the ultimate penalty of revocation of license.

The rulings prove that licensed real estate practitioners may face administrative sanctions for unethical conduct arising from transactions involving real estate, even if questions of civil or criminal liability arising from the same transactions are to be resolved separately by the appropriate courts or government agencies.

📷 Casa Infi / Instagram

04/08/2026

12/04/2026

BUGUIAS STATEMENT PUNCTURES VIRAL CLAIMS VS. YAP-LINKED AMBULANCES

La Trinidad, BENGUET— A wave of allegations accusing Benguet officials of inaction and complicity over allegedly “idle” ambulance units linked to Congressman Eric Yap has begun to unravel, as official records and local government statements directly contradict claims circulating online.

The controversy was fueled by a social media post from a self-styled provincial watchdog, who alleged that 14 units of 4x4 Toyota Land Cruiser ambulances were “rotting” in Wangal, La Trinidad, supposedly rendered useless due to missing legal documentation such as deeds of donation and acceptance resolutions.

However, the Municipality of Buguias has issued a formal statement categorically refuting these claims, laying out a paper trail that affirms both legality and functionality.

According to the municipal government, the emergency vehicle assigned to Buguias completed all legal transfer requirements as early as 2023, during the administration of then-mayor and now board member Ruben Tinda-an. The vehicle, it emphasized, is already an official LGU asset, with fuel, maintenance, and operational expenses processed in full compliance with government accounting and auditing regulations.

Crucially, the LGU clarified that the vehicle’s temporary presence in Wangal had nothing to do with inactivity or abandonment. Instead, it was part of a coordinated effort by the donor to remove political decals, in line with policies promoting neutrality in public resources. The ambulance has since been returned to Buguias and is fully cleared for continued use.

Separate fact-check efforts have also pointed out that the vehicles were only recently brought to Wangal for decal refurbishment, contradicting the narrative that they had been left to deteriorate over time.

The sharp discrepancy between the viral accusations and documented facts has raised questions about the impact of unchecked claims on public discourse particularly when they target critical emergency services.

While the original post painted a picture of systemic failure, silence, and alleged illegality among Benguet’s top officials including Governor Melchor Diclas and Vice Governor Marie Rose Fongwan-Kepes, local responses now suggest that at least some of the accusations were built on incomplete or inaccurate information.

The Municipality of Buguias, for its part, maintained that all actions surrounding the vehicle were undertaken “in good faith,” emphasizing its continued commitment to transparency, accountability, and lawful governance.

21/03/2026

ISKO – COUNTRY SINGER FROM THE CORDILLERA 🤠🎸
From the mountains of the Cordillera comes a voice that carries both soul and sincerity. Isko Macgui-ing of Baguio City is a respected country and folk musician whose music resonates with warmth, storytelling, and genuine heart.
Whether performing in small restobars or on larger stages, his voice remains unmistakable—simple, honest, and deeply rooted in the spirit of the Cordilleras.
More than just an entertainer, Isko is known for using his music to serve the community, often joining concerts for a cause and benefit shows to help those in need.
A true Cordilleran artist whose music continues to inspire, uplift, and bring people together.