Street Lights Issue

Background and Timeline

The streetlights had been the responsibility of Filinvest Land, Inc. The Meralco account and billing are still addressed to FLI.

• 2021 January – FLI approached FEHAI to proportionately shoulder the cost of streetlights.
• 2021 June – FEHAI Board agreed to a 50:50 split of the streetlights. FEHAI also stated that it will only take full responsibility of streetlights upon complete turnover of the subdivision
• 2022 June – Judge R. Dilag and Engr. J. Nepomuceno raised a concern with FEHAI, asserting that since Eastville has not yet been turned over, maintenance (including streetlights) is still the responsibility of FLI.
• 2022 October – FEHAI asked for clarification with DHSUD on who should be responsible for maintenance of subdivision facilities. 
• 2022 November – DHSUD legal opinion stated: “The responsibility to maintain the subdivision and its facilities falls on the owner or developer prior to the issuance of the certificate of completion and execution of the deed of donation to the local government or to the association, as the case may be.”
• 2022 November – On the basis of DHSUD’s legal opinion, FEHAI wrote FLI to inform FLI that FEHAI will no longer make any payments for streetlights and sought recoupment of all payments made as part of the cost-share agreement (P338,347.41).
• 2023 January – FLI replied that it will discontinue paying for the streetlights.2023 February – Meralco issued notice of disconnection.
• 2024 July – FEHAI released an advisory to all homeowners on impending disconnection of streetlights.
• 2024 July – FEHAI worked on filing a case for Writ of Preliminary Mandatory Injunction with DSHUD to compel FLI to pay Meralco electrical bills for streetlights until streets and open spaces have been turned over to LGU and return of all past payments by FEHAI for the streetlights
• 2025 March – Meralco sent a final notice of disconnection
• 2025 March to April – FEHAI negotiated with Meralco if they can still postpone streetlight disconnection
• 2025 April – Meralco disconnected Eastville streetlights
• 2025 April – FEHAI legal team filed Urgent Motion for Early Resolution, HSAC action pending

What have we done about the matter?

1. The case filed with the DHSUD is still ongoing and is actively being pursued. Our legal team has already filed an Urgent Motion for Early Resolution. 
2. The Board also deliberated various suggestions from the Directors and from concerned homeowners. However, FEHAI has decided not to pursue other options yet so as not to prejudice our legal action.
3. While we await the result of our legal action, FEHAI has:
   • Installed solar lights in dark areas
   • Encouraged neighbors to keep exterior lights on at night
   • Moved the exit gate back to main guardhouse to better monitor ingress/egress

Why not just pay Meralco?

1. The service agreement/account is with FLI
2. While we can pay for the account, there is no assurance that we will recoup the amount
3. This also brings up the question of shouldering the costs moving forward. The cost will ultimately be borne by homeowners
4. We maintain the position that the costs should be the responsibility of FLI until the complete turnover of the subdivision
5. We currently do not have surplus funds. Raising funds will require a special assessment
6. If we are to insist on donations/special assessment to pay for the amount, why not just use the amount raised to build our own solar street light infrastructure?

What other solutions are available?

1. Encourage homeowners to invest in lighting
   • Solar lights or flood lights are not necessary. One can invest in a high-illumination energy efficient LED bulb that can cover a home’s entire frontage
     • A 16w LED bulb can generate 1800 lumens costs ~P350 to purchase and costs ~P45/month in electricity (kept on for 8-10 hours) 
2. Add more solar street lights in dark areas, improve solar light installation
3. Work towards turnover of subdivision from FLI
   • Turnover roads, open spaces, and streetlights to LGU will transfer the costs of maintenance to LGU