Case Decision: Recognizing the Client's Agent in Property Listings

Facts:

1. Brian Punzalan, the listing agent for Listing IDs Rc76578f1, ID-0c6cff01, and ID-81201326, listed the properties on December 18, 2024, March 12, 2025, and March 27, 2025, respectively.
2. A client, made inquiries through three different EMPIRE agents: Junheld Dela Cueva, Jaeson Catungal, and Renzo Ramo.
3. Listing ID Rc76578f1 is currently on hold, pending the signing of a lease contract.
4. On March 31, 2025, at 6:00 PM, Renzo Ramo sent a viewing form to Brian Punzalan for Listing ID-0c6cff01.
5. On March 31, 2025, at 9:00 PM, Jaeson Catungal sent a viewing form to Brian Punzalan for Listing IDs-0c6cff01 and ID-81201326. The client initially inquired about Listing ID Rc76578f1 and, subsequently, Jaeson offered the other units to the client.
6. On April 1, 2025, at 1:00 PM, Junheld Dela Cueva sent a viewing form to Brian Punzalan for Listing IDs-0c6cff01 and ID-81201326. Like Jaeson, Junheld offered these units after the client inquired about Listing ID Rc76578f1.

Question on Hand:

Who shall be recognized as the client agent regarding this matter? Junheld, Jaeson, or Renzo?

Decision:

• Renzo Ramo is the client agent of the client for Listing ID-0c6cff01.
• Jaeson Catungal is the client agent of the client for Listing ID-81201326.
• Junheld Dela Cueva is not a valid client agent for the client.

Basis for the Decision:

1. According to the Filipino Homes EMPIRE Handbook, specifically item 2.4, if multiple agents submit a viewing form for the same client, the recognized client agent is the first one to submit the viewing form to the listing agent for the same unit. In this case, Renzo Ramo was the first to submit a viewing form for Listing ID-0c6cff01, making him the official client agent for this listing. Renzo only offered one unit and secured the first viewing schedule with the listing agent.
2. Applying the same rule, Jaeson Catungal could not represent the client for Listing ID-0c6cff01 because Renzo was the first to secure the viewing for this unit. However, Jaeson successfully secured the first viewing schedule for Listing ID-81201326, thus making him the recognized client agent for that unit.

Bottom Line:

The first client-side agent to submit a viewing form for a particular client and specific listing shall be recognized as the official client-side agent. This decision underscores the importance of the timing of submission in determining the official client-agent relationship for real estate listings.