Parañaque recognizes ex-MVHAI board members as ‘legitimate’ officers

MANILA, Philippines — The city government of Parañaque on Wednesday said it recognizes the former board members of the Multinational Village Homeowners’ Association Inc. as the “legitimate” officers of MVHAI.

City administrator Voltaire dela Cruz said the development comes after the decision of the Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court (SC) nullifying the election of MVHAI’s board of directors in 2022.

Following the ruling of both courts, the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development declared as legitimate officers the board members of MVHAI, headed by Arnel Gacutan, who were elected in 2019.

In his letter to Gacutan dated March 6, Dela Cruz assured the incumbent MVHAI officers that the city government would abide by the SC decision.

“We wish to assure the 2019 board of directors of MVHAI that the city government of Parañaque recognizes them as the legitimate board of the association,” the letter read.

“(The city government) will abide by the Supreme Court’s decision and that it will continue to assist MVHAI in maintaining peace and order in the community,” it added.

According to the local government, the incumbent board plans to take over the post on March 16.

Parañaque Mayor Eric Olivarez has ordered increased police visibility in the village until March 16 to ensure peace and order amid the planned takeover.

The incumbent officials would serve as the village’s board members in a holdover capacity until new officers are elected.