Frustrated Homebuyers in Cebu Turn to NBI Over Unfulfilled Housing Promises
More than 20 disgruntled homebuyers in Metro Cebu have taken legal action, filing a formal complaint with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Monday, February 2, 2026. The group accuses Tumabini Land Development Corp. of illegal selling practices, issuing bouncing checks, and syndicated estafa, as their promised townhouse projects have failed to materialize after years of payments.
Dream Homes Turn into Broken Promises
The issues trace back to as early as 2019, when families were enticed by "preselling" offers for townhouses in Carcar City, Consolacion, and Cebu City. Many buyers committed to monthly payments with the expectation of moving in after five years, investing significant sums ranging from P300,000 to P400,000 in equity. Despite these substantial contributions, they have neither received keys to their homes nor refunds for their money, leaving them in financial distress.
Hard-Earned Savings Wasted on Stalled Projects
Natasha Marie Belloc, one of the complainants, shared her personal ordeal after paying approximately P5,000 monthly since 2021 for a unit in Barangay Agsungot, Cebu City. When the project stalled, she was offered an alternative location, but a site visit revealed no construction activity there either. Belloc emphasized the financial strain, noting that the money represented hard-earned savings often accumulated through overtime work. Through their own investigations, buyers discovered that the developer allegedly lacked a License to Sell (LTS) from the government, a legal requirement designed to protect consumers from fraud.
Bouncing Checks and Unanswered Questions
Other buyers, such as Grace Abella, attempted to recover their funds through installment refunds. While Abella managed to cash a few checks totaling P30,000, the remainder began bouncing in December 2025, with bank staff reportedly indicating that the accounts were closed. When buyers sought explanations at the company's office, they were met with vague excuses about "internal audits" and missing signatures, but no supporting documentation was provided to validate these claims.
Developer Suspends Financial Transactions Amid Audit
In a memorandum dated February 2, 2026, Jeandhy Pialago Resureccion, President for Sales and Marketing at Tumabini, informed buyers that an audit is currently underway. The company has temporarily halted several key operations, including:
- Refund processing
- Acceptance of new payments
- All other financial transactions
The developer attributes the delays to paperwork and permit issues, estimating the audit could take up to 45 days. Meanwhile, the NBI is reviewing contracts, receipts, and bank records to determine if criminal charges should be filed against the corporation.
Homebuyers Demand Accountability and Refunds
The affected homebuyers have expressed willingness to consider a settlement with the developer, but only if discussions occur under the supervision of NBI investigators. Their primary demands remain clear: they seek the return of their invested money and accountability for the years of stress and financial hardship endured due to the stalled projects.
