RA Reddit Mentions | ChartExchange

Hi, everyone!
I would like to ask for advice regarding the refund computation provided by DMCI after I submitted a cancellation/back-out request for my condo unit and parking slot.
Background:
Condo turnover is Jan 2027
DP installement: until Dec 2026
Paid from July 2023 to Aug 2026
They deducted marketing fees, liquidated damages, admin fees, and forfeited amounts from my total payments. The resulting net refund is significantly lower than what I expected - approx. 80.5% deduction from the total payments.
Unit
Cancellation–Marketing Cost: ₱147,353.00
Liquidated Damages: ₱108,608.56
Cancellation–Administration Cost: ₱20,000.00
Cancellation–Forfeitures: ₱307,724.26
Net Refund: ₱140,371.27
Parking Slot
Cancellation–Marketing Cost: ₱21,435.28
Cancellation–Administration Cost: ₱10,000.00
Cancellation–Forfeitures: ₱53,009.72
Net Refund: ₱21,574.44
The combined refund is only ₱161,945.71, from total payments received of ₱830,076.53.
When I questioned the deductions, their representative referred me to the provisions of the Contract to Sell regarding cancellation and deductions. (See below)
My concern is whether these contractual deductions, particularly the administrative fees and other charges, are legally permissible under RA 6552 (Maceda Law) and whether the contract can impose deductions that may effectively diminish the statutory protection provided by the law.
Has anyone encountered a similar situation with DMCI or successfully challenged similar deductions? Are there any Supreme Court or HSAC rulings that I can refer to?
Thank you!
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Reply:
"We note your request for a refund equivalent to 50% of the total payments made under the Maceda Law. However, please be advised that any refund entitlement is subject not only to the provisions of the Maceda Law but also to the terms and conditions of the Contract to Sell, particularly Section 4.1, which provides that, in the event of the rescission or cancellation of the Contract to Sell, the refundable amount shall be subject to deductions, including penalties accrued as of the date of cancellation, an amount equivalent to 15% of the total payments made as liquidated damages, real estate broker's commission, any unpaid charges or rental obligations on the unit, and such other amounts as may be determined by the Developer/Seller.
As the Contract to Sell was cancelled due to voluntary withdrawal from the purchase of the property, any refundable amount, if applicable, shall be subject to the necessary evaluation and processing in accordance with the applicable contractual provisions."