THIS IS in reference to a letter sent by Daniel M. Agoncillo and 26 others (The Pro-Friends Victims Group), published on the Inquirer’s Letters page last Jan. 11.
Agoncillo, who is not in our database of buyers in any of our Pro-Friends projects, wrote a response to the BizBuzz item by Daxim Lucas and a column by Rina Jimenez David published on separate dates in October 2015 in the Inquirer. He alleged that the articles written by the two journalists were “apparently from Pro-Friends management.” His allegation is without basis. Pro-Friends has not in any way influenced any columnist/journalist as to what they should write about.
Agoncillo said in his letter that the alleged dissatisfied “buyers” have narrated their negative experiences in social media for some time now. We would like to reiterate that we have consistently reached out to people posting issues against Pro-Friends in social media which, unfortunately, is not the proper forum to resolve their issues.
Most of the issues raised on the Internet by this group of people have already been resolved. With their cooperation, a fair and just resolution of their respective accounts has been reached.
Please note that each account has different merits and some “online protesters,” we found out, were just swayed by the massive online campaign to ask for refunds, even without any basis. Truly, while the Internet has brought about positive changes in the lives of people, the same also causes harm when used irresponsibly.
By the way, we googled the name of Agoncillo and we found out that while he worked for a time in media, he is now in public relations. If Agoncillo is eager to take the hero’s role in resolving the issues of “Pro-Friends victims,” he should have taken the right approach to assist them, that is, by bringing their alleged “problems” to the proper venue—our office.
Our 17 years of existence in the industry, delivering more than 36,000 houses in our 26 completed and ongoing projects, is living proof of our commitment to deliver homes and create communities that each Filipino family truly deserves.
Finally, we appeal to the people who may have concerns with their accounts and want to bring their distress online: There are only two parties who can resolve any issues that may arise in your purchase of a Pro-Friends house: you (buyer), and us (Pro-Friends).
Should the two of us be unable to settle the issues, there is always an official regulatory body that can address them, and it is but proper that we take such matters to that agency. Any other parties intruding into the transaction entered only by you and us will just make things more complicated.
Pro-Friends buyers may reach us at (02)727-7000 and we will always be glad to be at their service.
—EDILBERTO D. MAGAT JR., corporate communication, Pro-Friends (Property Company of Friends), Mandaluyong City