Quoted hereunder is Resolution No. R-582, adopted by the Board en banc on 08 January 1996:

œWHEREAS, the existing HLRB Rules of Procedure, which is currently undergoing revision, does not provide for rules in the adjudication of cases in regional field offices where there are no arbiters who are lawyers;

WHEREAS, the Board, as a quasi-judicial body, is authorized through management to issue supplemental guidelines to aid its officers in the effective implementation of its mandates and regular performance of its functions;

WHEREAS, there is a need to provide guidance to the Regional Officers in the disposition of complaints/cases in order to obviate their pendency while at the same time safeguarding the rights of litigants;

WHEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, AS IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED:

1. That, in the absence of Housing and Land Use Arbiters (HLAs) who are lawyers, Regional Officers are hereby authorized to take over the function of HLAs as hearing officers; and

2. That, in cases where specific factual matters or presentation of evidence are warranted, the Regional Officers, as hearing officers, are hereby authorized and directed to receive evidence adduced by the parties; cite objections thereto, if any; and forward the records of the case together with the written report on the conduct of the proceedings to the Legal Services Group of the Central Office.

RESOLVED FURTHER, AS IT IS HEREBY FURTHER RESOLVED, that the above shall form part of the Interim Guidelines for Disposition of Cases in Regional Offices Without Lawyers-Arbiters.

RESOLVED FINALLY, AS IT IS HEREBY FINALLY RESOLVED, that the Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer be authorized, as he is hereby authorized, to issue said interim guidelines to supplement the existing Rules of Procedure, to take effect immediately until the Proposed Revised HLRB Rules of Procedure shall have been promulgated and in effect.

Approved this 08 January 1996, in Quezon City, Metro Manila. 

For your guidance and information.

Adopted: 23 Jan. 1996

(Sgd.) ERNESTO C. MENDIOLA
Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer