PRESIDENTIALDECREENo.

1529
AMENDINGANDCODIFYINGTHELAWSRELATIVETOREGISTRATION
OFPROPERTYANDFOROTHERPURPOSES
WHEREAS,thereisaneedtoupdatetheLandRegistrationActandtocodify
thevariouslawsrelativetoregistrationofproperty,inordertofacilitate
effectiveimplementationofsaidlaws
WHEREAS,tostrengthentheTorrenssystem,itisdeemednecessaryto
adoptsafeguardstopreventanomaloustitlingofrealproperty,andto
streamlineandsimplifyregistrationproceedingsandtheissuanceof
certificatesoftitle
WHEREAS,thedecreespromulgatedrelativetotheregistrationof
certificatesoflandtransferandemancipationpatentsissuedpursuantto
PresidentialDecreeNo.27tohastentheimplementationofthelandreform
programofthecountryformanintegralpartofthepropertyregistration
laws
NOW,THEREFORE,I,FERDINANDE.MARCOS,PresidentoftheRepublicof
thePhilippines,byvirtueofthepowersvestedinmebytheConstitution,do
herebyorderanddecreethefollowing:
CHAPTERI
GENERALPROVISIONS
Section1.TitleofDecree.ThisDecreeshallbeknownasthePROPERTY
REGISTRATIONDECREE.
Section2.Natureofregistrationproceedingsjurisdictionofcourts.Judicial
proceedingsfortheregistrationoflandsthroughoutthePhilippinesshallbe
inremandshallbebasedonthegenerallyacceptedprinciplesunderlying
theTorrenssystem.
CourtsofFirstInstanceshallhaveexclusivejurisdictionoverallapplications
fororiginalregistrationoftitletolands,includingimprovementsand
intereststherein,andoverallpetitionsfiledafteroriginalregistrationoftitle,
withpowertohearanddetermineallquestionsarisinguponsuch
applicationsorpetitions.Thecourtthroughitsclerkofcourtshallfurnishthe
LandRegistrationCommissionwithtwocertifiedcopiesofallpleadings,
exhibits,orders,anddecisionsfiledorissuedinapplicationsorpetitionsfor

landregistration,withtheexceptionofstenographicnotes,withinfivedays
fromthefilingorissuancethereof.
Section3.Statusofotherpreexistinglandregistrationsystem.Thesystem
ofregistrationundertheSpanishMortgageLawisherebydiscontinuedand
alllandsrecordedundersaidsystemwhicharenotyetcoveredbyTorrens
titleshallbeconsideredasunregisteredlands.
Hereafter,allinstrumentsaffectinglandsoriginallyregisteredunderthe
SpanishMortgageLawmayberecordedunderSection113ofthisDecree,
untilthelandshallhavebeenbroughtundertheoperationoftheTorrens
system.
ThebooksofregistrationforunregisteredlandsprovidedunderSection194
oftheRevisedAdministrativeCode,asamendedbyActNo.3344,shall
continuetoremaininforceprovided,thatallinstrumentsdealingwith
unregisteredlandsshallhenceforthberegisteredunderSection113ofthis
Decree.
CHAPTERII
THELANDREGISTRATIONCOMMISSIONANDITSREGISTRIESOF
DEEDS
Section4.LandRegistrationCommission.Inordertohaveamoreefficient
executionofthelawsrelativetotheregistrationoflands,gearedtothe
massiveandacceleratedlandreformandsocialjusticeprogramofthe
government,thereiscreatedacommissiontobeknownastheLand
RegistrationCommissionundertheexecutivesupervisionoftheDepartment
ofJustice.
Section5.OfficialsandemployeesoftheCommission.TheLand
RegistrationCommissionshallhaveachiefandanassistantchieftobe
known,respectively,astheCommissionerandtheDeputyCommissionerof
LandRegistrationwhoshallbeappointedbythePresident.The
CommissionershallbedulyqualifiedmemberofthePhilippineBarwithat
leasttenyearsofpracticeinthelegalprofession,andshallhavethesame
rank,compensationandprivilegesasthoseofaJudgeoftheCourtofFirst
Instance.TheDeputyCommissioner,whoshallpossessthesame
qualificationsasthoserequiredoftheCommissioner,shallreceive
compensationwhichshallbethreethousandpesosperannumlessthanthat
oftheCommissioner.HeshallactasCommissionerofLandRegistration
duringtheabsenceordisabilityoftheCommissionerandwhenthereisa
vacancyinthepositionuntilanotherpersonshallhavebeendesignatedor

appointedinaccordancewithlaw.TheDeputyCommissionershallalso
performsuchotherfunctionsastheCommissionermayassigntohim.
Theyshallbeassistedbysuchnumberofdivisionchiefsasmaybe
necessaryintheinterestofthefunctioningoftheCommission,byaSpecial
AssistanttotheCommissioner,andbyaChiefGeodeticEngineerwhoshall
eachreceivecompensationattherateofthreethousandfourhundredpesos
perannumlessthanthatoftheDeputyCommissioner.
AllotherofficialsandemployeesoftheLandRegistrationCommission
includingthoseoftheRegistriesofDeedswhosesalariesarenotherein
provided,shallreceivesalariescorrespondingtotheminimumoftheir
respectiveupgradedrangesasprovidedunderparagraph3.1ofBudget
CircularNo.273,plussixtypercentumthereofacrosstheboard,
notwithstandingthemaximumsalaryallowedfortheirrespectivecivilservice
eligibilities.
ThesalariesofofficialsandemployeesprovidedinthisDecreeshallbe
withoutprejudicetosuchbenefitsandadjustmentsasmayfromtimeto
timebegrantedbythePresidentorbythelegislaturetogovernment
employees.
AllofficialsandemployeesoftheCommissionexceptRegistersofDeeds
shallbeappointedbytheSecretaryofJusticeuponrecommendationofthe
CommissionerofLandRegistration.
Section6.GeneralFunctions.
(1)TheCommissionerofLandRegistrationshallhavethefollowing
functions:
(a)Issuedecreesofregistrationpursuanttofinaljudgmentsof
thecourtsinlandregistrationproceedingsandcausethe
issuancebytheRegistersofDeedsofthecorresponding
certificatesoftitle
(b)ExercisesupervisionandcontroloverallRegistersofDeeds
andotherpersonneloftheCommission
(c)Resolvecaseselevatedenconsultaby,oronappealfrom
decisionof,RegistersofDeeds
(d)Exerciseexecutivesupervisionoverallclerksofcourtand
personneloftheCourtsofFirstInstancethroughoutthe

Philippineswithrespecttothedischargeoftheirdutiesand
functionsinrelationtotheregistrationoflands
(e)Implementallorders,decisions,anddecreespromulgated
relativetotheregistrationoflandsandissue,subjecttothe
approvaloftheSecretaryofJustice,allneedfulrulesand
regulationstherefor
(f)Verifyandapprovesubdivision,consolidation,and
consolidationsubdivisionsurveyplansofpropertiestitledunder
ActNo.496exceptthosecoveredbyP.D.No.957.
(2)TheLandRegistrationCommissionshallhavethefollowing
functions:
(a)ExtendspeedyandeffectiveassistancetotheDepartmentof
AgrarianReform,theLandBank,andotheragenciesinthe
implementationofthelandreformprogramofthegovernment
(b)Extendassistancetocourtsinordinaryandcadastralland
registrationproceedings
(c)Bethecentralrepositoryofrecordsrelativetooriginal
registrationoflandstitledundertheTorrenssystem,including
subdivisionandconsolidationplansoftitledlands.
Section7.OfficeoftheRegisterofDeeds.Thereshallbeatleastone
RegisterofDeedsforeachprovinceandoneforeachcity.EveryRegistry
withayearlyaveragecollectionofmorethansixtythousandpesosduring
thelastthreeyearsshallhaveoneDeputyRegisterofDeeds,andevery
Registrywithayearlyaveragecollectionofmorethanthreehundred
thousandpesosduringthelastthreeyears,shallhaveoneDeputyRegister
ofDeedsandonesecondDeputyRegisterofDeeds.
TheSecretaryofJusticeshalldefinetheofficialstationandterritorial
jurisdictionofeachRegistryupontherecommendationoftheCommissioner
ofLandRegistration,withtheendinviewofmakingeveryregistryeasily
accessibletothepeopleoftheneighboringmunicipalities.
Theprovinceorcityshallfurnishasuitablespaceorbuildingfortheofficeof
theRegisterofDeedsuntilsuchtimeasthesamecouldbefurnishedoutof
nationalfunds.
Section8.AppointmentofRegistersofDeedsandtheirDeputiesandother
subordinatepersonnelsalaries.RegistersofDeedsshallbeappointedby

thePresidentofthePhilippinesuponrecommendationoftheSecretaryof
Justice.DeputyRegistersofDeedsandallothersubordinatepersonnelof
theRegistriesofDeedsshallbeappointedbytheSecretaryofJusticeupon
therecommendationoftheCommissionerofLandRegistration.
ThesalariesofRegistersofDeedsandtheirDeputiesshallbeatthe
followingrates:
(1)FirstClassRegistriesThesalariesofRegistersofDeedsinfirst
classRegistriesshallbethreethousandfourhundredpesosperannum
lessthanthatoftheDeputyCommissioner.
(2)SecondClassRegistriesThesalariesofRegistersofDeedsin
secondclassRegistriesshallbethreethousandfourhundredpesosper
annumlessthanthoseofRegistersofDeedsinfirstclassRegistries.
(3)ThirdClassRegistriesThesalariesofRegistersofDeedsinthird
classRegistriesshallbethreethousandfourhundredpesosperannum
lessthanthoseofRegistersofDeedsinsecondclassRegistries.
(4)ThesalariesofDeputyRegistersofDeedsandSecondDeputy
RegistersofDeedsshallbethreethousandfourhundredpesosper
annumlessthanthoseoftheircorrespondingRegistersofDeedsand
DeputyRegistersofDeeds,respectively.
TheSecretaryofJustice,uponrecommendationoftheCommissionerofLand
Registration,shallcausethereclassificationofRegistriesbasedeitheron
workloadortheclassofprovince/city,whicheverwillresultinahigher
classification,forpurposesofsalaryadjustmentsinaccordancewiththe
rateshereinaboveprovided.
Section9.QualificationsofRegistersofDeedsandDeputyRegistersof
Deeds.NopersonshallbeappointedRegisterofDeedsunlesshehasbeen
admittedtothepracticeoflawinthePhilippinesandshallhavebeen
actuallyengagedinsuchpracticeforatleastthreeyearsorhasbeen
employedforalikeperiodinanybranchofgovernmentthefunctionsof
whichincludetheregistrationofproperty.
TheDeputyRegisterofDeedsshallbeamemberofthePhilippineBar.
Provided,however,thatnoRegisterofDeedsorDeputyRegisterofDeeds
holdingofficeassuchuponthepassageofthisDecreeshallbyreason
hereof,beremovedfromofficeorbedemotedtoalowercategoryorscale
ofsalaryexceptforcauseanduponcompliancewithdueprocessas
providedforbylaw.

Section10.GeneralfunctionsofRegistersofDeeds.Theofficeofthe
RegisterofDeedsconstitutesapublicrepositoryofrecordsofinstruments
affectingregisteredorunregisteredlandsandchattelmortgagesinthe
provinceorcitywhereinsuchofficeissituated.
ItshallbethedutyoftheRegisterofDeedstoimmediatelyregisteran
instrumentpresentedforregistrationdealingwithrealorpersonalproperty
whichcomplieswithalltherequisitesforregistration.Heshallseetoitthat
saidinstrumentbearstheproperdocumentaryandsciencestampsandthat
thesameareproperlycanceled.Iftheinstrumentisnotregisterable,he
shallforthwithdenyregistrationthereofandinformthepresentorofsuch
denialinwriting,statingthegroundorreasontherefor,andadvisinghimof
hisrighttoappealbyconsultainaccordancewithSection117ofthis
Decree.
Section11.DischargeofdutiesofRegisterofDeedsincaseofvacancy,
etc.
(1)UntilaregularRegisterofDeedsshallhavebeenappointedfora
provinceorcity,orincaseofvacancyintheoffice,oruponthe
occasionoftheabsence,illness,suspension,orinabilityoftheRegister
ofDeedstodischargehisduties,saiddutiesshallbeperformedbythe
followingofficials,intheorderinwhichtheyarementionedbelow,
unlesstheSecretaryofJusticedesignatesanotherofficialtoact
temporarilyinhisplace:
(a)FortheprovinceorcitywherethereisaDeputyRegisterof
Deeds,bysaidDeputyRegisterofDeeds,orbythesecond
DeputyRegisterofDeeds,shouldtherebeone
(b)FortheprovinceorcitywherethereisnoDeputyorsecond
DeputyRegisterofDeeds,bytheProvincialorCityFiscal,orany
AssistantFiscaldesignatedbytheProvincialorCityFiscal
(2)Incaseofabsence,disabilityorsuspensionoftheRegisterof
Deedswithoutpay,orincaseofvacancyintheposition,theSecretary
ofJusticemay,inhisdiscretion,authorizethepaymentofan
additionalcompensationtotheofficialactingasRegisterofDeeds,
suchadditionalcompensationtogetherwithhisactualsalarynotto
exceedthesalaryauthorizedforthepositionthusfilledbyhim.
(3)Incaseofanewlycreatedprovinceorcityandpending
establishmentofaRegistryofDeedsandtheappointmentofaregular
RegisterofDeedsforthenewprovinceorcity,theRegisterofDeeds

ofthemotherprovinceorcityshallbetheexofficioRegisterofDeeds
forsaidnewprovinceorcity.
Section12.Owner'sIndexreports.Thereshallbepreparedinevery
Registryanindexsystemwhichshallcontainthenamesofallregistered
ownersalphabeticallyarranged.Forthispurpose,anindexcardwhichshall
bepreparedinthenameofeachregisteredownerwhichshallcontainalist
ofalllandsregisteredinhisname.
TheRegisterofDeedsshallsubmittotheLandRegistrationCommission
withintendaysafterthemonthtowhichtheypertainhismonthlyreportson
collectionsandaccomplishments.HeshallalsosubmittotheCommissionat
theendofDecemberofeachyear,anannualinventoryofalltitlesand
instrumentsinhisRegistry.
Section13.ChiefGeodeticEngineer.ThereshallbeaChiefGeodetic
EngineerintheLandRegistrationCommissionwhoshallbethetechnical
adviseroftheCommissiononallmattersinvolvingsurveysandshallbe
responsibletohimforallplats,plansandworksrequiringtheservicesofa
geodeticengineerinsaidoffice.Heshallperformsuchotherfunctionsas
may,fromtimetotime,beassignedtohimbytheCommissioner.
CHAPTERIII
ORIGINALREGISTRATION
I
ORDINARYREGISTRATIONPROCEEDINGS
A.APPLICATIONS
Section14.Whomayapply.Thefollowingpersonsmayfileintheproper
CourtofFirstInstanceanapplicationforregistrationoftitletoland,whether
personallyorthroughtheirdulyauthorizedrepresentatives:
(1)Thosewhobythemselvesorthroughtheirpredecessorsininterest
havebeeninopen,continuous,exclusiveandnotoriouspossession
andoccupationofalienableanddisposablelandsofthepublicdomain
underabonafideclaimofownershipsinceJune12,1945,orearlier.
(2)Thosewhohaveacquiredownershipofprivatelandsby
prescriptionundertheprovisionofexistinglaws.
(3)Thosewhohaveacquiredownershipofprivatelandsorabandoned
riverbedsbyrightofaccessionoraccretionundertheexistinglaws.

(4)Thosewhohaveacquiredownershipoflandinanyothermanner
providedforbylaw.
Wherethelandisownedincommon,allthecoownersshallfilethe
applicationjointly.
Wherethelandhasbeensoldunderpactoderetro,thevendoraretromay
fileanapplicationfortheoriginalregistrationoftheland,provided,however,
thatshouldtheperiodforredemptionexpireduringthependencyofthe
registrationproceedingsandownershiptothepropertyconsolidatedinthe
vendeearetro,thelattershallbesubstitutedfortheapplicantandmay
continuetheproceedings.
Atrusteeonbehalfofhisprincipalmayapplyfororiginalregistrationofany
landheldintrustbyhim,unlessprohibitedbytheinstrumentcreatingthe
trust.
Section15.Formandcontents.Theapplicationforlandregistrationshallbe
inwriting,signedbytheapplicationorthepersondulyauthorizedinhis
behalf,andsworntobeforeanyofficerauthorizedtoadministeroathsfor
theprovinceorcitywheretheapplicationwasactuallysigned.Ifthereis
morethanoneapplicant,theapplicationshallbesignedandsworntobyand
inbehalfofeach.Theapplicationshallcontainadescriptionofthelandand
shallstatethecitizenshipandcivilstatusoftheapplicant,whethersingleor
married,and,ifmarried,thenameofthewifeorhusband,and,ifthe
marriagehasbeenlegallydissolved,whenandhowthemarriagerelation
terminated.Itshallalsostatethefullnamesandaddressesofalloccupants
ofthelandandthoseoftheadjoiningowners,ifknown,and,ifnotknown,it
shallstatetheextentofthesearchmadetofindthem.
Theapplication,shall,inform,besubstantiallyasfollows:

RepublicofthePhilippines
CourtofFirstInstanceof_________________

Theundersigned,
____________________________________________________________h
erebyapplies(orapply)tohavethelandhereinafterdescribedbrought

undertheoperationofthePropertyRegistrationDecree,andtohavethe
titletheretoregisteredandconfirmed:
ANDDECLARE.....
1.Thattheapplicants/sis/aretheownersoftheland(byvirtueof
inheritanceordeedofsaleorconveyanceand/orpossessionin
accordancewithSection14ofsaidDecree),togetherwiththebuilding
andimprovementsthereon,withtheexceptionofthe
following:________________________________________________
__________________whichis/arethepropertyof
_________________________residingat
_________________________Thesaidland,consistingof
____________________parcel/sis/aresituated,boundedand
describedasshownontheplanandtechnicaldescriptionsattached
heretoandmadeaparthereof,withthefollowing
exception:________________________________________________
___________________
2.ThatsaidlandatthelastassessmentfortaxationwasassessedatP
____,Philippinecurrency,andthebuildingsandotherimprovements
atP___________,Philippinecurrency.
3.Thattothebestofmy/ourknowledgeandbelief,thereisno
mortgageorencumbranceofanykindwhatsoeveraffectingsaidland,
noranyotherpersonhavinganyinteresttherein,legalorequitable,or
inpossession,otherthanasfollows:
________________________________________________________
_______________________
4.Thattheapplicant/shas/haveacquiredsaidlandinthefollowing
manner:________________________________
(Note:RefertoSec.14ofsaidDecree.Statealsowhetherthe
propertyisconjugal,paraphernalorexclusivepropertyofthe
applicant/s)
5.Thatsaidlandisoccupiedbythefollowingperson:
_____________________________
______________________________________________
6.Thatthenamesinfullandaddresses,asfarasknowntothe
undersigned,oftheownersofalladjoiningproperties,ofthepersons
mentionedinparagraphs3and5,andofthepersonsshownonthe
planasclaimants,areasfollows:

________________________________________________________
________________________________
7.Thattheapplicant/sis/aresingleormarriedto
____________________(Note:ifmarriagehasbeenlegally
dissolved,statewhenandhowthemarriagerelation
terminated.)______________________________________________
________________________________________
8.Thattheapplicant's/s'fullname,age,citizenship,residence,and
postaladdress/esis/areasfollows:
________________________________________________________
___________
9.That(Note:Ifthelandincludedintheapplicationisboundedbya
publicorprivatewayorroad,thereshouldbestatedinthisparagraph
whetherornottheapplicantclaimsanyandwhatlandwithinthelimits
ofthewayorroadandwhethertheapplicantdesirestohavetheline
ofthewayorroaddetermined.)
________________________________________
___________________________
10.Thatthefollowingdocumentsareattachedheretoandmadeapart
hereof:___________________________________
________________________________
Signedat___________________this_____________________day
of____________________,intheyearnineteenhundredand
______________________.


_________________________
(PostOfficeAddress)

REPUBLICOFTHEPHILIPPINES
PROVINCE(ORCITY)OF_______________

Onthis_______________dayof_________________________,19
________personallyappearedbeforemetheabovenamed
__________________________________________________known
tometobetheperson/swhoexecutedtheforegoingapplicationand
madeoaththatthestatementsthereinaretrueofhis/theirknowledge,
informationandbelief.
TheResidenceCertificate/s______________________ofthe
applicant/s______________was/wereexhibitedtomebeingNo.

_________________issuedat___________________dated
____________,19__________.


Section16.Nonresidentapplicant.Iftheapplicantisnotaresidentofthe
Philippines,heshallfilewithhisapplicationaninstrumentindueform
appointinganagentorrepresentativeresidinginthePhilippines,givinghis
fullnameandpostaladdress,andshallthereinagreethattheserviceofany
legalprocessintheproceedingsunderorgrowingoutoftheapplication
madeuponhisagentorrepresentativeshallbeofthesamelegaleffectasif
madeupontheapplicantwithinthePhilippines.Iftheagentor
representativedies,orleavesthePhilippines,theapplicantshallforthwith
makeanotherappointmentforthesubstitute,and,ifhefailstodosothe
courtmaydismisstheapplication.
Section17.Whatandwheretofile.Theapplicationforlandregistration
shallbefiledwiththeCourtofFirstInstanceoftheprovinceorcitywhere
thelandissituated.Theapplicantshallfiletogetherwiththeapplicationall
originalmunimentsoftitlesorcopiesthereofandasurveyplanoftheland
approvedbytheBureauofLands.

Theclerkofcourtshallnotacceptanyapplicationunlessitisshownthatthe
applicanthasfurnishedtheDirectorofLandswithacopyoftheapplication
andallannexes.
Section18.Applicationcoveringtwoormoreparcels.Anapplicationmay
includetwoormoreparcelsoflandbelongingtotheapplicant/sprovided
theyaresituatedwithinthesameprovinceorcity.Thecourtmayatany
timeorderanapplicationtobeamendedbystrikingoutoneormoreofthe
parcelsorbyaseveranceoftheapplication.
Section19.Amendments.Amendmentstotheapplicationincludingjoinder,
substitution,ordiscontinuanceastopartiesmaybeallowedbythecourtat
anystageoftheproceedingsuponjustandreasonableterms.
Amendmentswhichshallconsistinasubstantialchangeintheboundariesor
anincreaseinareaofthelandappliedfororwhichinvolvetheinclusionof
anadditionallandshallbesubjecttothesamerequirementsofpublication
andnoticeasinanoriginalapplication.
Section20.Whenlandappliedforbordersonroad.Iftheapplication
describesthelandasboundedbyapublicorprivatewayorroad,itshall
statewhetherornottheapplicantclaimsanyandwhatportionoftheland
withinthelimitsofthewayorroad,andwhethertheapplicantdesiresto
havethelineofthewayorroaddetermined.
Section21.Requirementofadditionalfactsandpapersocular
inspection.Thecourtmayrequirefactstobestatedintheapplicationin
additiontothoseprescribedbythisDecreenotinconsistenttherewithand
mayrequirethefilingofanyadditionalpaper.Itmayalsoconductanocular
inspection,ifnecessary.
Section22.Dealingswithlandpendingoriginalregistration.Afterthefiling
oftheapplicationandbeforetheissuanceofthedecreeofregistration,the
landthereindescribedmaystillbethesubjectofdealingsinwholeorin
part,inwhichcasetheinterestedpartyshallpresenttothecourtthe
pertinentinstrumentstogetherwithasubdivisionplanapprovedbythe
DirectorofLandsincaseoftransferofportionsthereofandthecourt,after
noticetotheparties,shallordersuchlandregisteredsubjecttothe
conveyanceorencumbrancecreatedbysaidinstruments,ororderthatthe
decreeofregistrationbeissuedinthenameofthepersontowhomthe
propertyhasbeenconveyedbysaidinstruments.
B.PUBLICATION,OPPOSITIONANDDEFAULT

Section23.Noticeofinitialhearing,publication,etc.Thecourtshall,within
fivedaysfromfilingoftheapplication,issueanordersettingthedateand
houroftheinitialhearingwhichshallnotbeearlierthanfortyfivedaysnor
laterthanninetydaysfromthedateoftheorder.
Thepublicshallbegivennoticeoftheinitialhearingoftheapplicationfor
landregistrationbymeansof(1)publication(2)mailingand(3)posting.
1.Bypublication.
Uponreceiptoftheorderofthecourtsettingthetimeforinitial
hearing,theCommissionerofLandRegistrationshallcausenoticeof
initialhearingtobepublishedonceintheOfficialGazetteandoncein
anewspaperofgeneralcirculationinthePhilippines:Provided,
however,thatthepublicationintheOfficialGazetteshallbesufficient
toconferjurisdictionuponthecourt.Saidnoticeshallbeaddressedto
allpersonsappearingtohaveaninterestinthelandinvolvedincluding
theadjoiningownerssofarasknown,and"toallwhomitmay
concern".Saidnoticeshallalsorequireallpersonsconcernedto
appearincourtatacertaindateandtimetoshowcausewhythe
prayerofsaidapplicationshallnotbegranted.
2.Bymailing.
(a)Mailingofnoticetopersonsnamedintheapplication.The
CommissionerofLandRegistrationshallalso,withinsevendays
afterpublicationofsaidnoticeintheOfficialGazette,as
hereinbeforeprovided,causeacopyofthenoticeofinitial
hearingtobemailedtoeverypersonnamedinthenoticewhose
addressisknown.
(b)MailingofnoticetotheSecretaryofPublicHighways,the
ProvincialGovernorandtheMayor.Iftheapplicantrequeststo
havethelineofapublicwayorroaddetermined,the
CommissionerofLandRegistrationshallcauseacopyofsaid
noticeofinitialhearingtobemailedtotheSecretaryofPublic
Highways,totheProvincialGovernor,andtotheMayorofthe
municipalityorcity,asthecasemaybe,inwhichthelandlies.
(c)MailingofnoticetotheSecretaryofAgrarianReform,the
SolicitorGeneral,theDirectorofLands,theDirectorofPublic
Works,theDirectorofForestDevelopment,theDirectorofMines
andtheDirectorofFisheriesandAquaticResources.Iftheland
bordersonariver,navigablestreamorshore,oronanarmof
theseawhereariverorharborlinehasbeenestablished,oron

alake,orifitotherwiseappearsfromtheapplicationorthe
proceedingsthatatenantfarmerorthenationalgovernment
mayhaveaclaimadversetothatoftheapplicant,noticeofthe
initialhearingshallbegiveninthesamemannertothe
SecretaryofAgrarianReform,theSolicitorGeneral,theDirector
ofLands,theDirectorofMinesand/ortheDirectorofFisheries
andAquaticResources,asmaybeappropriate.
3.Byposting.
TheCommissionerofLandRegistrationshallalsocauseadulyattested
copyofthenoticeofinitialhearingtobepostedbythesheriffofthe
provinceorcity,asthecasemaybe,orbyhisdeputy,ina
conspicuousplaceoneachparceloflandincludedintheapplication
andalsoinaconspicuousplaceonthebulletinboardofthemunicipal
buildingofthemunicipalityorcityinwhichthelandorportionthereof
issituated,fourteendaysatleastbeforethedateofinitialhearing.
Thecourtmayalsocausenoticetobeservedtosuchotherpersons
andinsuchmannerasitmaydeemproper.
Thenoticeofinitialhearingshall,inform,besubstantiallyasfollows:

(CaptionandTitle)
NOTICEOFINITIALHEARING

To(hereinsertthenamesofallpersonsappearingtohaveaninterestand
theadjoiningownerssofarasknown,andtoallwhomitmayconcern):
Anapplication(orpetition)havingbeenfiledintheaboveentitledcaseby
(fullnameandaddress)prayingfortheregistrationandconfirmation(orfor
thesettlementandadjudication,incaseofpetitionincadastralproceedings)
oftitletothefollowingdescribedlands:

(Insertdescription)

YouareherebyservedthisnoticetoappearbeforethisCourtatitssession
tobeheldat_________________onthe______________dayof
_______________,19______,at_____________o'clockinthe
_________thenandtheretopresentsuchclaimsasyoumayhavetosaid
landsoranyportionthereof,andtosubmitevidenceinsupportofsuch
claimandunlessyouappearatsaidCourtatthetimeandplaceaforesaid,
yourdefaultwillberecordedandthetitletothelandswillbeadjudicated
anddeterminedinaccordancewithlawandtheevidencebeforetheCourt,
andthereafteryouwillforeverbebarredfromcontestingsaidapplication(or
petition)oranydecreeenteredthereon.
Witness,theHon.________________________JudgeoftheCourtofFirst
Instanceof_______this_______dayof_________________,intheyear
19______.

Attest:
CommissionerofLand
Registration

Section24.Proofofpublicationandnotice.Thecertificationofthe
CommissionerofLandRegistrationandofthesheriffconcernedtotheeffect
thatthenoticeofinitialhearing,asrequiredbylaw,hasbeencompliedwith
shallbefiledinthecasebeforethedateofinitialhearing,andshallbe
conclusiveproofofsuchfact.
Section25.Oppositiontoapplicationinordinaryproceedings.Anyperson
claiminganinterest,whethernamedinthenoticeornot,mayappearand
fileanoppositiononorbeforethedateofinitialhearing,orwithinsuch
furthertimeasmaybeallowedbythecourt.Theoppositionshallstateall
theobjectionstotheapplicationandshallsetforththeinterestclaimedby
thepartyfilingthesameandapplyfortheremedydesired,andshallbe
signedandsworntobyhimorbysomeotherdulyauthorizedperson.
Iftheoppositionortheadverseclaimofanypersoncoversonlyaportionof
thelotandsaidportionisnotproperlydelimitedontheplanattachedtothe
application,orincaseofundividedcoownership,conflictingclaimsof
ownershiporpossession,oroverlappingofboundaries,thecourtmay

requirethepartiestosubmitasubdivisionplandulyapprovedbythe
DirectorofLands.
Section26.Orderofdefaulteffect.Ifnopersonappearsandanswers
withinthetimeallowed,thecourtshall,uponmotionoftheapplicant,no
reasontothecontraryappearing,orderadefaulttoberecordedandrequire
theapplicanttopresentevidence.Bythedescriptioninthenotice"Toall
WhomItMayConcern",alltheworldaremadepartiesdefendantandshall
beconcludedbythedefaultorder.
Whereanappearancehasbeenenteredandananswerfiled,adefaultorder
shallbeenteredagainstpersonswhodidnotappearandanswer.
C.HEARINGJUDGMENTANDDECREEOFREGISTRATION
Section27.Speedyhearingreferencetoareferee.Thetrialcourtshallsee
toitthatallregistrationproceedingsaredisposedorwithinninetydaysfrom
thedatethecaseissubmittedfordecision,
TheCourt,ifitdeemsnecessary,mayreferthecaseoranypartthereoftoa
refereewhoshallhearthepartiesandtheirevidence,andtherefereeshall
submithisreportthereontotheCourtwithinfifteendaysafterthe
terminationofsuchhearing.Hearingbeforearefereemaybeheldatany
convenientplacewithintheprovinceorcityasmaybefixedbyhimand
afterreasonablenoticethereofshallhavebeenservedtheparties
concerned.Thecourtmayrenderjudgmentinaccordancewiththereportas
thoughthefactshavebeenfoundbythejudgehimself:Provided,however,
thatthecourtmayinitsdiscretionacceptthereport,orsetitasideinwhole
orinpart,ororderthecasetoberecommittedforfurtherproceedings:
Section28.Partialjudgment.Inacasewhereonlyaportionoftheland
subjectofregistrationiscontested,thecourtmayrenderpartialjudgment
providedthatasubdivisionplanshowingthecontestedanduncontested
portionsapprovedbytheDirectorofLandsispreviouslysubmittedtosaid
court.
Section29.Judgmentconfirmingtitle.Allconflictingclaimsofownership
andinterestinthelandsubjectoftheapplicationshallbedeterminedbythe
court.Ifthecourt,afterconsideringtheevidenceandthereportsofthe
CommissionerofLandRegistrationandtheDirectorofLands,findsthatthe
applicantortheoppositorhassufficienttitleproperforregistration,
judgmentshallberenderedconfirmingthetitleoftheapplicant,orthe
oppositor,tothelandorportionsthereof.

Section30.Whenjudgmentbecomesfinaldutytocauseissuanceof
decree.Thejudgmentrenderedinalandregistrationproceedingsbecomes
finalupontheexpirationofthirtydaystobecountedfromthedataof
receiptofnoticeofthejudgment.Anappealmaybetakenfromthe
judgmentofthecourtasinordinarycivilcases.
Afterjudgmenthasbecomefinalandexecutory,itshalldevolveuponthe
courttoforthwithissueanorderinaccordancewithSection39ofthis
DecreetotheCommissionerfortheissuanceofthedecreeofregistration
andthecorrespondingcertificateoftitleinfavorofthepersonadjudged
entitledtoregistration.
Section31.Decreeofregistration.Everydecreeofregistrationissuedby
theCommissionershallbearthedate,hourandminuteofitsentry,and
shallbesignedbyhim.Itshallstatewhethertheownerismarriedor
unmarried,andifmarried,thenameofthehusbandorwife:Provided,
however,thatifthelandadjudicatedbythecourtisconjugalproperty,the
decreeshallbeissuedinthenameofbothspouses.Iftheownerisunder
disability,itshallstatethenatureofdisability,andifaminor,hisage.It
shallcontainadescriptionofthelandasfinallydeterminedbythecourt,and
shallsetforththeestateoftheowner,andalso,insuchmannerastoshow
theirrelativepriorities,allparticularestates,mortgages,easements,liens,
attachments,andotherencumbrances,includingrightsoftenantfarmers,if
any,towhichthelandorowner'sestateissubject,aswellasanyother
mattersproperlytobedeterminedinpursuanceofthisDecree.
Thedecreeofregistrationshallbindthelandandquiettitlethereto,subject
onlytosuchexceptionsorliensasmaybeprovidedbylaw.Itshallbe
conclusiveuponandagainstallpersons,includingtheNationalGovernment
andallbranchesthereof,whethermentionedbynameintheapplicationor
notice,thesamebeingincludedinthegeneraldescription"Toallwhomit
mayconcern".
Section32.ReviewofdecreeofregistrationInnocentpurchaserfor
value.Thedecreeofregistrationshallnotbereopenedorrevisedbyreason
ofabsence,minority,orotherdisabilityofanypersonadverselyaffected
thereby,norbyanyproceedinginanycourtforreversingjudgments,
subject,however,totherightofanyperson,includingthegovernmentand
thebranchesthereof,deprivedoflandorofanyestateorinterestthereinby
suchadjudicationorconfirmationoftitleobtainedbyactualfraud,tofilein
theproperCourtofFirstInstanceapetitionforreopeningandreviewofthe
decreeofregistrationnotlaterthanoneyearfromandafterthedateofthe
entryofsuchdecreeofregistration,butinnocaseshallsuchpetitionbe
entertainedbythecourtwhereaninnocentpurchaserforvaluehasacquired
thelandoraninteresttherein,whoserightsmaybeprejudiced.Whenever

thephrase"innocentpurchaserforvalue"oranequivalentphraseoccursin
thisDecree,itshallbedeemedtoincludeaninnocentlessee,mortgagee,or
otherencumbrancerforvalue.
Upontheexpirationofsaidperiodofoneyear,thedecreeofregistrationand
thecertificateoftitleissuedshallbecomeincontrovertible.Anyperson
aggrievedbysuchdecreeofregistrationinanycasemaypursuehisremedy
byactionfordamagesagainsttheapplicantoranyotherpersonsresponsible
forthefraud.
Section33.Appealfromjudgment,etc.Thejudgmentandordersofthe
courthearingthelandregistrationcaseareappealabletotheCourtof
AppealsortotheSupremeCourtinthesamemannerasinordinaryactions:
Section34.Rulesofprocedure.TheRulesofCourtshall,insofarasnot
inconsistentwiththeprovisionofthisDecree,beapplicabletoland
registrationandcadastralcasesbyanalogyorinasuppletorycharacterand
wheneverpracticableandconvenient.
II
CADASTRALREGISTRATIONPROCEEDINGS
A.ORDERFORSPEEDYSETTLEMENTANDADJUDICATIONSURVEY
NOTICES
Section35.CadastralSurveypreparatorytofilingofpetition.
(a)WhenintheopinionofthePresidentofthePhilippinespublic
interestsorequiresthattitletoanyunregisteredlandsbesettledand
adjudicated,hemaytothisenddirectandordertheDirectorofLands
tocausetobemadeacadastralsurveyofthelandsinvolvedandthe
plansandtechnicaldescriptionthereofpreparedindueform.
(b)Thereupon,theDirectorofLandsshallgivenoticetopersons
claiminganyinterestinthelandsaswellastothegeneralpublic,of
thedayonwhichsuchsurveywillbegin,givingasfullyandaccurately
aspossiblethedescriptionofthelandstobesurveyed.Suchnotice
shallbepunishedonceintheOfficialGazette,andacopyofthenotice
inEnglishorthenationallanguageshallbepostedinaconspicuous
placeonthebulletinboardofthemunicipalbuildingofthemunicipality
inwhichthelandsoranyportionthereofissituated.Acopyofthe
noticeshallalsobesenttothemayorofsuchmunicipalityaswellasto
thebarangaycaptainandlikewisetotheSangguniangPanlalawigan
andtheSangguniangBayanconcerned.

(c)TheGeodeticEngineersorotheremployeesoftheBureauofLands
inchargeofthesurveyshallgivenoticereasonablyinadvanceofthe
dateonwhichthesurveyofanyportionofsuchlandsistobegin,
whichnoticeshallbepostedinthebulletinboardofthemunicipal
buildingofthemunicipalityorbarrioinwhichthelandsaresituated,
andshallmarktheboundariesofthelandsbymonumentssetupin
properplacesthereon.ItshallbelawfulforsuchGeodeticEngineers
andotheremployeestoenteruponthelandswhenevernecessaryfor
thepurposesofsuchsurveyortheplacingofmonuments.
(d)Itshallbethedutyofeverypersonclaiminganinterestinthe
landstobesurveyed,orinanyparcelthereof,tocommunicatewith
theGeodeticEngineeruponhisrequestthereforallinformation
possessedbysuchpersonconcerningtheboundarylinesofanylands
towhichheclaimstitleorinwhichheclaimsanyinterest.
(e)Anypersonwhoshallwillfullyobstructthemakingofanysurvey
undertakenbytheBureauofLandsorbyalicensedGeodeticEngineer
dulyauthorizedtoconductthesurveyunderthisSection,orshall
maliciouslyinterferewiththeplacingofanymonumentorremovesuch
monument,orshalldestroyorremoveanynoticeofsurveypostedon
thelandpursuanttolaw,shallbepunishedbyafineofnotmorethan
onethousandpesosorbyimprisonmentfornotmorethanoneyear,
orboth.
B.PETITIONLOTNUMBERS
Section36.Petitionforregistration.Whenthelandshavebeensurveyedor
plotted,theDirectorofLands,representedbytheSolicitorGeneral,shall
instituteoriginalregistrationproceedingsbyfilingthenecessarypetitionin
theCourtofFirstInstanceoftheplacewherethelandissituatedagainstthe
holders,claimants,possessors,oroccupantsofsuchlandsoranypart
thereof,statinginsubstancethatpublicinterestrequiresthatthetitleto
suchlandsbesettledandadjudicatedandprayingthatsuchtitlesbeso
settledandadjudicated:
Thepetitionshallcontainadescriptionofthelandsandshallbe
accompaniedbyaplanthereof,andmaycontainsuchotherdataasmay
servetofurnishfullnoticetotheoccupantsofthelandsandtoallpersons
whomayclaimanyrightorinteresttherein.
Wherethelandconsistsoftwoormoreparcelsheldoroccupiedbydifferent
persons,theplanshallindicatetheboundariesorlimitsofthevarious
parcelsasaccuratelyaspossible.Theparcelsshallbeknownas"lots"and
shallontheplanfiledinthecasebegivenseparatenumbersbytheDirector

ofLands,whichnumbersshallbeknownas"cadastrallotnumbers".Thelots
situatedwithineachmunicipalityshall,asfaraspracticable,benumbered
consecutivelybeginningwithnumber"one",andonlyoneseriesofnumbers
shallbeusedforthatpurposeineachmunicipality.Howeverincitiesor
townsites,adesignationofthelandholdingsbyblocksandlotnumbersmay
beemployedinsteadofthedesignationbycadastrallotnumbers.
Thecadastralnumberofalotshallnotbechangedafterfinaldecisionhas
beenentereddecreasingtheregistrationthereof,exceptbyorderofcourt.
Futuresubdivisionsofanylotshallbedesignatedbyaletterorlettersofthe
alphabetaddedtothecadastralnumberofthelottowhichtherespective
subdivisionspertain.Theletterwithwhichasubdivisionisdesignatedshall
beknownasits"cadastralletter":Provided,however,thatthesubdivisions
ofcitiesortownsitesmaybedesignatedbyblocksandlotnumbers.
C.ANSWER
Section37.Answertopetitionincadastralproceedings.Anyclaimantin
cadastralproceedings,whethernamedinthenoticeornot,shallappear
beforethecourtbyhimselforbysomeotherauthorizedpersoninhisbehalf,
andshallfileanansweronorbeforethedateofinitialhearingorwithinsuch
furthertimeasmaybeallowedbythecourt.Theanswershallbesignedand
sworntobytheclaimantorbysomeotherauthorizedpersoninhisbehalf,
andshallstatewhethertheclaimantismarriedorunmarried,andifmarried,
thenameofthespouseandthedateofmarriage,hisnationality,residence
andpostaladdress,andshallalsocontain:
(a)Theageoftheclaimant
(b)Thecadastralnumberofthelotorlotsclaimed,asappearingon
theplanfiledinthecasebytheDirectorofLands,ortheblockandlot
numbers,asthecasemaybe
(c)Thenameofthebarrioandmunicipalityinwhichthelotsare
situated
(d)Thenamesandaddressesoftheownersoftheadjoininglotssofar
asknowntotheclaimant
(e)Iftheclaimantisinpossessionofthelotsclaimedandcanshowno
expressgrantofthelandbythegovernmenttohimortohis
predecessorsininterest,theanswershallstatethelengthoftimehe
hasheldsuchpossessionandthemannerinwhichithasbeen

acquired,andshallalsostatethelengthoftime,asfarasknown,
duringwhichthepredecessors,ifany,heldpossession
(f)Iftheclaimantisnotinpossessionoroccupationoftheland,the
answershallfullysetforththeinterestclaimedbyhimandthetime
andmannerofhisacquisition
(g)ifthelotshavebeenassessedfortaxation,theirlastassessed
valueand
(h)Theencumbrances,ifany,affectingthelotsandthenamesof
adverseclaimants,asfarasknown.
D.HEARINGJUDGMENTDECREE
Section38.Hearing,Judgment,Decree.Thetrialofthecasemayoccurat
anyconvenientplacewithintheprovinceinwhichthelandsaresituatedand
shallbeconducted,andordersfordefaultandconfessionsentered,inthe
samemannerasinordinarylandregistrationproceedingsandshallbe
governedbythesamerules.Allconflictinginterestsshallbeadjudicatedby
thecourtanddecreesawardedinfavorofthepersonsentitledtothelands
ortopartsthereofandsuchdecreesshallbethebasisforissuanceof
originalcertificatesoftitleinfavorofsaidpersonsandshallhavethesame
effectascertificatesoftitlegrantedonapplicationforregistrationofland
underordinarylandregistrationproceedings.
CHAPTERIV
CERTIFICATEOFTITLE
Section39.PreparationofdecreeandCertificateofTitle.Afterthe
judgmentdirectingtheregistrationoftitletolandhasbecomefinal,the
courtshall,withinfifteendaysfromentryofjudgment,issueanorder
directingtheCommissionertoissuethecorrespondingdecreeofregistration
andcertificateoftitle.Theclerkofcourtshallsend,withinfifteendaysfrom
entryofjudgment,certifiedcopiesofthejudgmentandoftheorderofthe
courtdirectingtheCommissionertoissuethecorrespondingdecreeof
registrationandcertificateoftitle,andacertificatestatingthatthedecision
hasnotbeenamended,reconsidered,norappealed,andhasbecomefinal.
Thereupon,theCommissionershallcausetobepreparedthedecreeof
registrationaswellastheoriginalandduplicateofthecorrespondingoriginal
certificateoftitle.Theoriginalcertificateoftitleshallbeatruecopyofthe
decreeofregistration.Thedecreeofregistrationshallbesignedbythe
Commissioner,enteredandfiledintheLandRegistrationCommission.The
originaloftheoriginalcertificateoftitleshallalsobesignedbythe
Commissionerandshallbesent,togetherwiththeowner'sduplicate

certificate,totheRegisterofDeedsofthecityorprovincewherethe
propertyissituatedforentryinhisregistrationbook.
Section40.EntryofOriginalCertificateofTitle.Uponreceiptbythe
RegisterofDeedsoftheoriginalandduplicatecopiesoftheoriginal
certificateoftitlethesameshallbeenteredinhisrecordbookandshallbe
numbered,dated,signedandsealedbytheRegisterofDeedswiththeseal
ofhisoffice.Saidcertificateoftitleshalltakeeffectuponthedateofentry
thereof.TheRegisterofDeedsshallforthwithsendnoticebymailtothe
registeredownerthathisowner'sduplicateisreadyfordeliverytohimupon
paymentoflegalfees.
Section41.Owner'sduplicatecertificateoftitle.Theowner'sduplicate
certificateoftitleshallbedeliveredtotheregisteredownerortohisduly
authorizedrepresentative.Iftwoormorepersonsareregisteredowners,
oneowner'sduplicatecertificatemaybeissuedforthewholeland,orifthe
coownerssodesire,aseparateduplicatemaybeissuedtoeachofthemin
likeform,butalloutstandingcertificatesoftitlesoissuedshallbe
surrenderedwhenevertheRegisterofDeedsshallregisteranysubsequent
voluntarytransactionaffectingthewholelandorpartthereoforanyinterest
therein.TheRegisterofDeedsshallnoteoneachcertificateoftitlea
statementastowhomacopythereofwasissued.
Section42.RegistrationBooks.Theoriginalcopyoftheoriginalcertificate
oftitleshallbefiledintheRegistryofDeeds.Thesameshallbeboundin
consecutiveordertogetherwithsimilarcertificatesoftitleandshall
constitutetheregistrationbookfortitledproperties.
Section43.TransferCertificateofTitle.Thesubsequentcertificateoftitle
thatmaybeissuedbytheRegisterofDeedspursuanttoanyvoluntaryor
involuntaryinstrumentrelatingtothesamelandshallbeinlikeform,
entitled"TransferCertificateofTitle",andlikewiseissuedinduplicate.The
certificateshallshowthenumberofthenextpreviouscertificatecovering
thesamelandandalsothefactthatitwasoriginallyregistered,givingthe
recordnumber,thenumberoftheoriginalcertificateoftitle,andthevolume
andpageoftheregistrationbookinwhichthelatterisfound.
Section44.Statutoryliensaffectingtitle.Everyregisteredownerreceiving
acertificateoftitleinpursuanceofadecreeofregistration,andevery
subsequentpurchaserofregisteredlandtakingacertificateoftitleforvalue
andingoodfaith,shallholdthesamefreefromallencumbrancesexcept
thosenotedinsaidcertificateandanyofthefollowingencumbranceswhich
maybesubsisting,namely:

First.Liens,claimsorrightsarisingorexistingunderthelawsand
ConstitutionofthePhilippineswhicharenotbylawrequiredtoappear
ofrecordintheRegistryofDeedsinordertobevalidagainst
subsequentpurchasersorencumbrancersofrecord.
Second.Unpaidrealestatetaxesleviedandassessedwithintwoyears
immediatelyprecedingtheacquisitionofanyrightoverthelandbyan
innocentpurchaserforvalue,withoutprejudicetotherightofthe
governmenttocollecttaxespayablebeforethatperiodfromthe
delinquenttaxpayeralone.
Third.Anypublichighwayorprivatewayestablishedorrecognizedby
law,oranygovernmentirrigationcanalorlateralthereof,ifthe
certificateoftitledoesnotstatethattheboundariesofsuchhighway
orirrigationcanalorlateralthereofhavebeendetermined.
Fourth.Anydispositionofthepropertyorlimitationontheusethereof
byvirtueof,orpursuantto,PresidentialDecreeNo.27oranyother
laworregulationsonagrarianreform.
Section45.Statementofpersonalcircumstancesinthecertificate.Every
certificateoftitleshallsetforththefullnamesofallpersonswhoseinterests
makeupthefullownershipinthewholeland,includingtheircivilstatus,and
thenamesoftheirrespectivespouses,ifmarried,aswellastheir
citizenship,residenceandpostaladdress.Ifthepropertycoveredbelongsto
theconjugalpartnership,itshallbeissuedinthenamesofbothspouses.
Section46.Generalincidentsofregisteredland.Registeredlandshallbe
subjecttosuchburdensandincidentsasmayarisebyoperationoflaw.
Nothingcontainedinthisdecreeshallinanywaybeconstruedtorelieve
registeredlandortheownersthereoffromanyrightsincidenttotherelation
ofhusbandandwife,landlordandtenant,orfromliabilitytoattachmentor
levyonexecution,orfromliabilitytoanylienofanydescriptionestablished
bylawonthelandandthebuildingsthereon,orontheinterestoftheowner
insuchlandorbuildings,ortochangethelawsofdescent,ortherightsof
partitionbetweencoowners,ortherighttotakethesamebyeminent
domain,ortorelievesuchlandfromliabilitytoberecoveredbyanassignee
ininsolvencyortrusteeinbankcruptcyunderthelawsrelativeto
preferences,ortochangeoraffectinanywayotherrightsorliabilities
createdbylawandapplicabletounregisteredland,exceptasotherwise
providedinthisDecree.

Section47.Registeredlandnotsubjecttoprescriptions.Notitleto
registeredlandinderogationofthetitleoftheregisteredownershallbe
acquiredbyprescriptionoradversepossession.
Section48.Certificatenotsubjecttocollateralattack.Acertificateoftitle
shallnotbesubjecttocollateralattack.Itcannotbealtered,modified,or
canceledexceptinadirectproceedinginaccordancewithlaw.
Section49.Splitting,orconsolidationoftitles.Aregisteredownerof
severaldistinctparcelsoflandembracedinandcoveredbyacertificateof
titledesiringinlieuthereofseparatecertificates,eachcontainingoneor
moreparcels,mayfileawrittenrequestforthatpurposewiththeRegisterof
Deedsconcerned,andthelatter,uponthesurrenderoftheowner's
duplicate,shallcancelittogetherwithitsoriginalandissueinlieuthereof
separatecertificatesasdesired.Aregisteredownerofseveraldistinct
parcelsoflandcoveredbyseparatecertificatesoftitledesiringtohavein
lieuthereofasinglecertificateforthewholeland,orseveralcertificatesfor
thedifferentparcelsthereof,mayalsofileawrittenrequestwiththe
RegisterofDeedsconcerned,andthelatter,uponthesurrenderofthe
owner'sduplicates,shallcancelthemtogetherwiththeiroriginals,andissue
inlieuthereofoneorseparatecertificatesasdesired.
Section50.Subdivisionandconsolidationplans.Anyownersubdividinga
tractofregisteredlandintolotswhichdonotconstituteasubdivisionproject
hasdefinedandprovidedforunderP.D.No.957,shallfilewiththe
CommissionerofLandRegistrationorwiththeBureauofLandsasubdivision
planofsuchlandonwhichallboundaries,streets,passagewaysand
waterways,ifany,shallbedistinctlyandaccuratelydelineated.
Ifasubdivisionplan,beitsimpleorcomplex,dulyapprovedbythe
CommissionerofLandRegistrationortheBureauofLandstogetherwiththe
approvedtechnicaldescriptionsandthecorrespondingowner'sduplicate
certificateoftitleispresentedforregistration,theRegisterofDeedsshall,
withoutrequiringfurthercourtapprovalofsaidplan,registerthesamein
accordancewiththeprovisionsoftheLandRegistrationAct,asamended:
Provided,however,thattheRegisterofDeedsshallannotateonthenew
certificateoftitlecoveringthestreet,passagewayoropenspace,a
memorandumtotheeffectthatexceptbywayofdonationinfavorofthe
nationalgovernment,province,cityormunicipality,noportionofanystreet,
passageway,waterwayoropenspacesodelineatedontheplanshallbe
closedorotherwisedisposedofbytheregisteredownerwithouttheapproval
oftheCourtofFirstInstanceoftheprovinceorcityinwhichthelandis
situated.

Aregisteredownerdesiringtoconsolidateseverallotsintooneormore,
requiringnewtechnicaldescriptions,shallfilewiththeLandRegistration
Commission,aconsolidationplanonwhichshallbeshownthelotstobe
affected,astheywerebefore,andastheywillappearafterthe
consolidation.Uponthesurrenderoftheowner'sduplicatecertificatesand
thereceiptofconsolidationplandutyapprovedbytheCommission,the
RegisterofDeedsconcernedshallcancelthecorrespondingcertificatesof
titleandissueanewonefortheconsolidatedlots.
TheCommissionmaynotorderorcauseanychange,modification,or
amendmentinthecontentsofanycertificateoftitle,orofanydecreeor
plan,includingthetechnicaldescriptiontherein,coveringanyrealproperty
registeredundertheTorrenssystem,nororderthecancellationofthesaid
certificateoftitleandtheissuanceofanewonewhichwouldresultinthe
enlargementoftheareacoveredbythecertificateoftitle.
CHAPTERV
SUBSEQUENTREGISTRATION
I
VOLUNTARYDEALINGSWITHREGISTEREDLANDS
GENERALPROVISIONS
Section51.Conveyanceandotherdealingsbyregisteredowner.Anowner
ofregisteredlandmayconvey,mortgage,lease,chargeorotherwisedeal
withthesameinaccordancewithexistinglaws.Hemayusesuchformsof
deeds,mortgages,leasesorothervoluntaryinstrumentsasaresufficientin
law.Butnodeed,mortgage,lease,orothervoluntaryinstrument,excepta
willpurportingtoconveyoraffectregisteredlandshalltakeeffectasa
conveyanceorbindtheland,butshalloperateonlyasacontractbetween
thepartiesandasevidenceofauthoritytotheRegisterofDeedstomake
registration.
Theactofregistrationshallbetheoperativeacttoconveyoraffecttheland
insofarasthirdpersonsareconcerned,andinallcasesunderthisDecree,
theregistrationshallbemadeintheofficeoftheRegisterofDeedsforthe
provinceorcitywherethelandlies.
Section52.Constructivenoticeuponregistration.Everyconveyance,
mortgage,lease,lien,attachment,order,judgment,instrumentorentry
affectingregisteredlandshall,ifregistered,filedorenteredintheofficeof
theRegisterofDeedsfortheprovinceorcitywherethelandtowhichit

relateslies,beconstructivenoticetoallpersonsfromthetimeofsuch
registering,filingorentering.
Section53.Presentationofowner'sduplicateuponentryofnew
certificate.NovoluntaryinstrumentshallberegisteredbytheRegisterof
Deeds,unlesstheowner'sduplicatecertificateispresentedwithsuch
instrument,exceptincasesexpresslyprovidedforinthisDecreeorupon
orderofthecourt,forcauseshown.
Theproductionoftheowner'sduplicatecertificate,wheneveranyvoluntary
instrumentispresentedforregistration,shallbeconclusiveauthorityfrom
theregisteredownertotheRegisterofDeedstoenteranewcertificateorto
makeamemorandumofregistrationinaccordancewithsuchinstrument,
andthenewcertificateormemorandumshallbebindingupontheregistered
owneranduponallpersonsclaimingunderhim,infavorofeverypurchaser
forvalueandingoodfaith.
Inallcasesofregistrationprocuredbyfraud,theownermaypursueallhis
legalandequitableremediesagainstthepartiestosuchfraudwithout
prejudice,however,totherightsofanyinnocentholderforvalueofa
certificateoftitle.Aftertheentryofthedecreeofregistrationontheoriginal
petitionorapplication,anysubsequentregistrationprocuredbythe
presentationofaforgedduplicatecertificateoftitle,oraforgeddeedor
otherinstrument,shallbenullandvoid.
Section54.Dealingslessthanownership,howregistered.Nonew
certificateshallbeenteredorissuedpursuanttoanyinstrumentwhichdoes
notdivesttheownershiportitlefromtheownerorfromthetransfereeof
theregisteredowners.Allinterestsinregisteredlandlessthanownership
shallberegisteredbyfilingwiththeRegisterofDeedstheinstrumentwhich
createsortransfersorclaimssuchinterestsandbyabriefmemorandum
thereofmadebytheRegisterofDeedsuponthecertificateoftitle,and
signedbyhim.Asimilarmemorandumshallalsobemadeontheowner's
duplicate.Thecancellationorextinguishmentofsuchinterestsshallbe
registeredinthesamemanner.
Section55.Grantee'sname,nationality,etc.,tobestated.Everydeedor
othervoluntaryinstrumentpresentedforregistrationshallcontainorhave
endorseduponitthefullname,nationality,residenceandpostaladdressof
thegranteeorotherpersonacquiringorclaiminganinterestundersuch
instrument,andeverydeedshallalsostatewhetherthegranteeismarried
orunmarried,andifmarried,thenameinfullofthehusbandorwife.Ifthe
granteeisacorporationorassociation,theinstrumentmustcontainarecital
toshowthatsuchcorporationorassociationislegallyqualifiedtoacquire
privatelands.Anychangeintheresidenceorpostaladdressofsuchperson

shallbeendorsedbytheRegisterofDeedsontheoriginalcopyofthe
correspondingcertificateoftitle,uponreceivingaswornstatementofsuch
change.Allnamesandaddressesshallalsobeenteredonallcertificates.
Noticesandprocessedissuedinrelationtoregisteredlandinpursuanceof
thisDecreemaybeserveduponanypersonininterestbymailingthesame
totheaddressesgiven,andshallbebinding,whethersuchpersonresides
withinorwithoutthePhilippines,butthecourtmay,initsdiscretion,require
furtherorothernoticetobegiveninanycase,ifinitsopiniontheinterestof
justicesorequires.
Section56.PrimaryEntryBookfeescertifiedcopies.EachRegisterof
Deedsshallkeepaprimaryentrybookinwhich,uponpaymentoftheentry
fee,heshallenter,intheorderoftheirreception,allinstrumentsincluding
copiesofwritsandprocessesfiledwithhimrelatingtoregisteredland.He
shall,asapreliminaryprocessinregistration,noteinsuchbookthedate,
hourandminuteofreceptionofallinstruments,intheorderinwhichthey
werereceived.Theyshallberegardedasregisteredfromthetimesonoted,
andthememorandumofeachinstrument,whenmadeonthecertificateof
titletowhichitrefers,shallbearthesamedate:Provided,thatthenational
governmentaswellastheprovincialandcitygovernmentsshallbeexempt
fromthepaymentofsuchfeesinadvanceinordertobeentitledtoentry
andregistration.
Everydeedorotherinstrument,whethervoluntaryorinvoluntary,sofiled
withtheRegisterofDeedsshallbenumberedandindexedandendorsed
withareferencetothepropercertificateoftitle.Allrecordsandpapers
relativetoregisteredlandintheofficeoftheRegisterofDeedsshallbeopen
tothepublicinthesamemannerascourtrecords,subjecttosuch
reasonableregulationsastheRegisterofDeeds,underthedirectionofthe
CommissionerofLandRegistration,mayprescribe.
Alldeedsandvoluntaryinstrumentsshallbepresentedwiththeirrespective
copiesandshallbeattestedandsealedbytheRegisterofDeeds,endorsed
withthefilenumber,andcopiesmaybedeliveredtothepersonpresenting
them.
Certifiedcopiesofallinstrumentsfiledandregisteredmayalsobeobtained
fromtheRegisterofDeedsuponpaymentoftheprescribedfees.
(A)CONVEYANCESANDTRANSFERS
Section57.Procedureinregistrationofconveyances.Anownerdesiringto
conveyhisregisteredlandinfeesimpleshallexecuteandregisteradeedof
conveyanceinaformsufficientinlaw.TheRegisterofDeedsshallthereafter

makeoutintheregistrationbookanewcertificateoftitletothegranteeand
shallprepareanddelivertohimanowner'sduplicatecertificate.The
RegisterofDeedsshallnoteupontheoriginalandduplicatecertificatethe
dateoftransfer,thevolumeandpageoftheregistrationbookinwhichthe
newcertificateisregisteredandareferencebynumbertothelastpreceding
certificate.Theoriginalandtheowner'sduplicateofthegrantor'scertificate
shallbestamped"canceled".Thedeedofconveyanceshallbefilledand
indorsedwiththenumberandtheplaceofregistrationofthecertificateof
titleofthelandconveyed.
Section58.Procedurewhereconveyanceinvolvesportionofland.Ifadeed
orconveyanceisforapartonlyofthelanddescribedinacertificateoftitle,
theRegisterofDeedsshallnotenteranytransfercertificatetothegrantee
untilaplanofsuchlandshowingalltheportionsorlotsintowhichithas
beensubdividedandthecorrespondingtechnicaldescriptionsshallhave
beenverifiedandapprovedpursuanttoSection50ofthisDecree.
Meanwhile,suchdeedmayonlybeannotatedbywayofmemorandumupon
thegrantor'scertificateoftitle,originalandduplicate,saidmemorandumto
serveasanoticetothirdpersonsofthefactthatcertainunsegregated
portionofthelanddescribedthereinhasbeenconveyed,andevery
certificatewithsuchmemorandumshallbeeffectualforthepurposeof
showingthegrantee'stitletotheportionconveyedtohim,pendingthe
actualissuanceofthecorrespondingcertificateinhisname.
Upontheapprovaloftheplanandtechnicaldescriptions,theoriginalofthe
plan,togetherwithacertifiedcopyofthetechnicaldescriptionsshallbefiled
withtheRegisterofDeedsforannotationinthecorrespondingcertificateof
titleandthereuponsaidofficershallissueanewcertificateoftitletothe
granteefortheportionconveyed,andatthesametimecancelthegrantor's
certificatepartiallywithrespectonlytosaidportionconveyed,or,ifthe
grantorsodesires,hiscertificatemaybecanceledtotallyandanewone
issuedtohimdescribingthereintheremainingportion:Provided,however,
thatpendingapprovalofsaidplan,nofurtherregistrationorannotationof
anysubsequentdeedorothervoluntaryinstrumentinvolvingthe
unsegregatedportionconveyedshallbeeffectedbytheRegisterofDeeds,
exceptwheresuchunsegregatedportionwaspurchasedfromthe
Governmentoranyofitsinstrumentalities.Ifthelandhasbeensubdivided
intoseverallots,designatedbynumbersorletters,theRegisterofDeeds
may,ifdesiredbythegrantor,insteadofcancelingthelatter'scertificate
andissuinganewonetothesamefortheremainingunconveyedlots,enter
onsaidcertificateandonitsowner'sduplicateamemorandumofsuchdeed
ofconveyanceandoftheissuanceofthetransfercertificatetothegrantee
forthelotorlotsthusconveyed,andthatthegrantor'scertificateis
canceledastosuchlotorlots.

Section59.Carryoverofencumbrances.If,atthetimeofanytransfer,
subsistingencumbrancesorannotationsappearintheregistrationbook,
theyshallbecarriedoverandstatedinthenewcertificateorcertificates
exceptsofarastheymaybesimultaneouslyreleasedordischarged.
(B)MORTGAGESANDLEASES
Section60.Mortgageorleaseofregisteredland.Mortgageandleasesshall
beregisteredinthemannerprovidedinSection54ofthisDecree.The
ownerofregisteredlandmaymortgageorleaseitbyexecutingthedeedin
aformsufficientinlaw.Suchdeedofmortgageorleaseandallinstruments
whichassign,extend,dischargeorotherwisedealwiththemortgageor
leaseshallberegistered,andshalltakeeffectuponthetitleonlyfromtime
ofregistration.
Nomortgagee'sorlessee'sduplicatecertificateoftitleshallhereafterbe
issuedbytheRegistersofDeeds,andthoseissuedpriortotheeffectivityof
thisDecreeareherebydeemedcanceledandtheholdersthereofshall
immediatelysurrenderthesametotheRegisterofDeedsconcerned.
Section61.Registration.Uponpresentationforregistrationofthedeedof
mortgageorleasetogetherwiththeowner'sduplicate,theRegisterofDeeds
shallenterupontheoriginalofthecertificateoftitleandalsouponthe
owner'sduplicatecertificateamemorandumthereof,thedateandtimeof
filingandthefilenumberassignedtothedeed,andshallsignthesaid
memorandum.Heshallalsonoteonthedeedthedateandtimeoffilingand
areferencetothevolumeandpageoftheregistrationbookinwhichitis
registered.
Section62.Dischargeorcancellation.Amortgageorleaseonregistered
landmaybedischargeorcanceledbymeansofaninstrumentexecutedby
themortgageorlesseeinaformsufficientinlaw,whichshallbefiledwith
theRegisterofDeedswhoshallmaketheappropriatememorandumupon
thecertificateoftitle.
Section63.ForeclosureofMortgage.(a)Ifthemortgagewasforeclosed
judicially,acertifiedcopyofthefinalorderofthecourtconfirmingthesale
shallberegisteredwiththeRegisterofDeeds.Ifnorightofredemption
exists,thecertificateoftitleofthemortgagorshallbecanceled,andanew
certificateissuedinthenameofthepurchaser.
Wheretherightofredemptionexists,thecertificateoftitleofthe
mortgagorshallnotbecanceled,butthecertificateofsaleandthe
orderconfirmingthesaleshallberegisteredbyabriefmemorandum
thereofmadebytheRegisterofDeedsuponthecertificateoftitle.In

theeventthepropertyisredeemed,thecertificateordeedof
redemptionshallbefiledwiththeRegisterofDeeds,andabrief
memorandumthereofshallbemadebytheRegisterofDeedsonthe
certificateoftitleofthemortgagor.
Ifthepropertyisnotredeemed,thefinaldeedofsaleexecutedbythe
sheriffinfavorofthepurchaserataforeclosuresaleshallbe
registeredwiththeRegisterofDeedswhereuponthetitleofthe
mortgagorshallbecanceled,andanewcertificateissuedinthename
ofthepurchaser.
(b)Ifthemortgagewasforeclosedextrajudicially,acertificateofsale
executedbytheofficerwhoconductedthesaleshallbefiledwiththe
RegisterofDeedswhoshallmakeabriefmemorandumthereofonthe
certificateoftitle.
Intheeventofredemptionbythemortgagor,thesameruleprovided
forinthesecondparagraphofthissectionshallapply.
Incaseofnonredemption,thepurchaseratforeclosuresaleshallfile
withtheRegisterofDeeds,eitherafinaldeedofsaleexecutedbythe
personauthorizedbyvirtueofthepowerofattorneyembodiedinthe
deedofmortgage,orhisswornstatementattestingtothefactof
nonredemptionwhereupon,theRegisterofDeedsshallissueanew
certificateinfavorofthepurchaseraftertheowner'sduplicateofthe
certificatehasbeenpreviouslydeliveredandcanceled.
(C)POWERSOFATTORNEYTRUSTS
Section64.Powerofattorney.Anypersonmay,bypowerofattorney,
conveyorotherwisedealwithregisteredlandandthesameshallbe
registeredwiththeRegisterofDeedsoftheprovinceorcitywheretheland
lies.Anyinstrumentrevokingsuchpowerofattorneyshallberegisteredin
likemanner.
Section65.Trustsinregisteredland.Ifadeedorotherinstrumentisfiled
inordertotransferregisteredlandintrust,oruponanyequitablecondition
orlimitationexpressedtherein,ortocreateordeclareatrustorother
equitableinterestsinsuchlandwithouttransfer,theparticularsofthetrust,
condition,limitationorotherequitableinterestshallnotbeenteredonthe
certificatebutonlyamemorandumthereofshallbeenteredbythewords
"intrust",or"uponcondition",orotheraptwords,andbyareferenceby
numbertotheinstrumentauthorizingorcreatingthesame.Asimilar
memorandumshallbemadeupontheoriginalinstrumentcreatingor
declaringthetrustorotherequitableinterestwithareferencebynumberto

thecertificateoftitletowhichitrelatesandtothevolumeandpageinthe
registrationbookinwhichitisregistered.
Section66.Trustwithpowerofsale,etc.,howexpressed.Iftheinstrument
creatingordeclaringatrustorotherequitableinterestcontainsanexpress
powertosell,mortgageordealwiththelandinanymanner,suchpower
shallbestatedinthecertificateoftitlebythewords"withpowertosell",or
"powertomortgage",orbyaptwordsofdescriptionincaseofotherpowers.
Noinstrumentwhichtransfers,mortgagesorinanywaydealswith
registeredlandintrustshallberegistered,unlesstheenablingpower
theretoisexpresslyconferredinthetrustinstrument,orunlessafinal
judgmentororderofacourtofcompetentjurisdictionhasconstruedthe
instrumentinfavorofthepower,inwhichcaseacertifiedcopyofsuch
judgmentorordermayberegistered.
Section67.Judicialappointmentofnewtrustee.Ifanewtrusteeof
registeredlandisappointedbyacourtofcompetentjurisdiction,anew
certificatemaybeissuedtohimuponpresentationtotheRegisterofDeeds
ofacertifiedcopyoftheorderorjudicialappointmentandthesurrenderfor
cancellationoftheduplicatecertificate.
Section68.Implied,trusts,howestablished.Whoeverclaimsaninterestin
registeredlandbyreasonofanyimpliedorconstructivetrustshallfilefor
registrationwiththeRegisterofDeedsaswornstatementthereofcontaining
adescriptionoftheland,thenameoftheregisteredownerandareference
tothenumberofthecertificateoftitle.Suchclaimshallnotaffectthetitleof
apurchaserforvalueandingoodfaithbeforeitsregistration.
II
INVOLUNTARYDEALINGS
Section69.Attachments.Anattachment,oracopyofanywrit,orderor
processissuedbyacourtofrecord,intendedtocreateorpreserveanylien,
status,right,orattachmentuponregisteredland,shallbefiledand
registeredintheRegistryofDeedsfortheprovinceorcityinwhichtheland
lies,and,inadditiontotheparticularsrequiredinsuchpapersfor
registration,shallcontainareferencetothenumberofthecertificateoftitle
tobeaffectedandtheregisteredownerorownersthereof,andalsoifthe
attachment,order,processorlienisnotclaimedonallthelandinany
certificateoftitleadescriptionsufficientlyaccurateforidentificationofthe
landorinterestintendedtobeaffected.Arestrainingorder,injunctionor
mandamusissuedbythecourtshallbeenteredandregisteredonthe
certificateoftitleaffected,freeofcharge.

Section70.Adverseclaim.Whoeverclaimsanypartorinterestin
registeredlandadversetotheregisteredowner,arisingsubsequenttothe
dateoftheoriginalregistration,may,ifnootherprovisionismadeinthis
Decreeforregisteringthesame,makeastatementinwritingsettingforth
fullyhisallegedrightorinterest,andhoworunderwhomacquired,a
referencetothenumberofthecertificateoftitleoftheregisteredowner,the
nameoftheregisteredowner,andadescriptionofthelandinwhichthe
rightorinterestisclaimed.
Thestatementshallbesignedandswornto,andshallstatetheadverse
claimant'sresidence,andaplaceatwhichallnoticesmaybeservedupon
him.Thisstatementshallbeentitledtoregistrationasanadverseclaimon
thecertificateoftitle.Theadverseclaimshallbeeffectiveforaperiodof
thirtydaysfromthedateofregistration.Afterthelapseofsaidperiod,the
annotationofadverseclaimmaybecanceleduponfilingofaverifiedpetition
thereforbythepartyininterest:Provided,however,thataftercancellation,
nosecondadverseclaimbasedonthesamegroundshallberegisteredby
thesameclaimant.
Beforethelapseofthirtydaysaforesaid,anypartyininterestmayfilea
petitionintheCourtofFirstInstancewherethelandissituatedforthe
cancellationoftheadverseclaim,andthecourtshallgrantaspeedyhearing
uponthequestionofthevalidityofsuchadverseclaim,andshallrender
judgmentasmaybejustandequitable.Iftheadverseclaimisadjudgedto
beinvalid,theregistrationthereofshallbeorderedcanceled.If,inanycase,
thecourt,afternoticeandhearing,shallfindthattheadverseclaimthus
registeredwasfrivolous,itmayfinetheclaimantinanamountnotlessthan
onethousandpesosnormorethanfivethousandpesos,initsdiscretion.
Beforethelapseofthirtydays,theclaimantmaywithdrawhisadverseclaim
byfilingwiththeRegisterofDeedsaswornpetitiontothateffect.
Section71.Surrenderofcertificateininvoluntarydealings.Ifan
attachmentorotherlieninthenatureofinvoluntarydealinginregistered
landisregistered,andtheduplicatecertificateisnotpresentedatthetime
ofregistration,theRegisterofDeedsshall,withinthirtysixhoursthereafter,
sendnoticebymailtotheregisteredowner,statingthatsuchpaperhas
beenregistered,andrequestinghimtosendorproducehisduplicate
certificatesothatamemorandumoftheattachmentorotherlienmaybe
madethereon.Iftheownerneglectsorrefusestocomplywithina
reasonabletime,theRegisterofDeedsshallreportthemattertothecourt,
anditshall,afternotice,enteranordertotheowner,toproducehis
certificateatatimeandplacenamedtherein,andmayenforcetheorderby
suitableprocess.

Section72.Dissolution,etc.ofattachments,etc.Attachmentsandliensof
everydescriptionuponregisteredlandshallbecontinued,reduced,
dischargedanddissolvedbyanymethodsufficientinlaw,andtogiveeffect
tothecontinuance,reduction,dischargeordissolutionthereofthecertificate
orotherinstrumentforthatpurposeshallberegisteredwiththeRegisterof
Deeds.
Section73.Registrationofordersofcourt,etc.Ifanattachmentis
continued,reduced,dissolved,orotherwiseaffectedbyanorder,decisionor
judgmentofthecourtwheretheactionorproceedingsinwhichsaid
attachmentwasmadeispendingorbyanorderofacourthaving
jurisdictionthereof,acertificateoftheentryofsuchorder,decisionor
judgmentfromtheclerkofcourtorthejudgebywhichsuchdecision,order
orjudgmenthasbeenrenderedandunderthesealofthecourt,shallbe
entitledtoberegistereduponpresentationtotheRegisterofDeeds.
Section74.Enforcementofliensonregisteredland.Wheneverregistered
landissolvedonexecution,ortakenorsoldfortaxesorforanyassessment
ortoenforcealienofanycharacter,orforanycostsandchargesincidentto
suchliens,anyexecutionorcopyofexecution,anyofficer'sreturn,orany
deed,demand,certificate,oraffidavit,orotherinstrumentmadeinthe
courseoftheproceedingstoenforcesuchliensandrequiredbylawtobe
recorded,shallbefiledwiththeRegisterofDeedsoftheprovinceorcity
wherethelandliesandregisteredintheregistrationbook,anda
memorandummadeuponthepropercertificateoftitleineachcaseaslien
orencumbrance.
Section75.Applicationfornewcertificateuponexpirationofredemption
period.Upontheexpirationofthetime,ifany,allowedbylawfor
redemptionafterregisteredlandhasbeensoldonexecutiontakenorsold
fortheenforcementofalienofanydescription,exceptamortgagelien,the
purchaseratsuchsaleoranyoneclaimingunderhimmaypetitionthecourt
fortheentryofanewcertificateoftitletohim.
Beforetheentryofanewcertificateoftitle,theregisteredownermay
pursuealllegalandequitableremediestoimpeachorannulsuch
proceedings.
Section76.Noticeoflispendens.Noactiontorecoverpossessionofreal
estate,ortoquiettitlethereto,ortoremovecloudsuponthetitlethereof,or
forpartition,orotherproceedingsofanykindincourtdirectlyaffectingthe
titletolandortheuseoroccupationthereoforthebuildingsthereon,andno
judgment,andnoproceedingtovacateorreverseanyjudgment,shallhave
anyeffectuponregisteredlandasagainstpersonsotherthantheparties
thereto,unlessamemorandumornoticestatingtheinstitutionofsuch

actionorproceedingandthecourtwhereinthesameispending,aswellas
thedateoftheinstitutionthereof,togetherwithareferencetothenumber
ofthecertificateoftitle,andanadequatedescriptionofthelandaffected
andtheregisteredownerthereof,shallhavebeenfiledandregistered.
Section77.Cancellationoflispendens.Beforefinaljudgment,anoticeof
lispendensmaybecanceleduponorderofthecourt,afterpropershowing
thatthenoticeisforthepurposeofmolestingtheadverseparty,orthatitis
notnecessarytoprotecttherightsofthepartywhocausedittobe
registered.ItmayalsobecanceledbytheRegisterofDeedsuponverified
petitionofthepartywhocausedtheregistrationthereof.
Atanytimeafterfinaljudgmentinfavorofthedefendant,orother
dispositionoftheactionsuchastoterminatefinallyallrightsoftheplaintiff
inandtothelandand/orbuildingsinvolved,inanycaseinwhicha
memorandumornoticeoflispendenshasbeenregisteredasprovidedinthe
precedingsection,thenoticeoflispendensshallbedeemedcanceledupon
theregistrationofacertificateoftheclerkofcourtinwhichtheactionor
proceedingwaspendingstatingthemannerofdisposalthereof.
CHAPTERVI
REGISTRATIONOFJUDGMENTSORDERSPARTITIONS
Section78.JudgmentforPlaintiff.Wheneverinanyactiontorecover
possessionorownershipofrealestateoranyinterestthereinaffecting
registeredlandjudgmentisenteredfortheplaintiff,suchjudgmentshallbe
entitledtoregistrationonpresentationofacertificateoftheentrythereof
fromtheclerkofcourtwheretheactionispendingtotheRegisterofDeeds
fortheprovinceorcitywherethelandlies,whoshallenteramemorandum
uponthecertificateoftitleofthelandtowhichsuchjudgmentrelates.Ifthe
judgmentdoesnotapplytoallthelanddescribedinthecertificateoftitle,
thecertificateoftheclerkofthecourtwheretheactionispendingandthe
memorandumenteredbytheRegisterofDeedsshallcontainadescriptionof
thelandaffectedbythejudgment.
Section79.Judgmentadjudicatingownership.Wheninanyactionto
recovertheownershipofrealestateoraninterestthereinexecutionhas
beenissuedinfavoroftheplaintiff,thelattershallbeentitledtotheentryof
anewcertificateoftitleandtothecancellationoftheoriginalcertificateand
owner'sduplicateoftheformerregisteredowner.Iftheregisteredowner
neglectsorrefuseswithinareasonabletimeafterrequestoftheplaintiffto
producehisduplicatecertificateinorderthatthesamemaybecanceled,the
courtshall,onapplicationandafternotice,enteranordertotheownerto

producehiscertificateatthetimeandplacedesignated,andmayenforce
theorderbysuitableprocess.
Section80.Executionofdeedbyvirtueofjudgment.Everycourtrendering
judgmentinfavoroftheplaintiffaffectingregisteredlandshall,upon
petitionofsaidplaintiff,orderandpartiesbeforeittoexecutefor
registrationanydeedorinstrumentnecessarytogiveeffecttothe
judgment,andshallrequiretheregisteredownertodeliverhisduplicate
certificatetotheplaintiffortotheRegisterofDeedstobecanceledorto
haveamemorandumannotateduponit.Incasethepersonrequiredto
executeanydeedorotherinstrumentnecessarytogiveeffecttothe
judgmentisabsentfromthePhilippines,orisaminor,orinsane,orforany
reasonnotamenabletotheprocessofthecourtrenderingthejudgment,
saidcourtmayappointasuitablepersonastrusteetoexecutesuch
instrumentwhich,whenexecuted,shallbeentitledtoregistration.
Section81.Judgmentofpartition.Inproceedingsforpartitionofregistered
land,aftertheentryofthefinaljudgmentofpartition,acopyofsuchfinal
judgment,certifiedbytheclerkofthecourtrenderingthesame,shallbe
filedandregisteredthereupon,ifthelandissetoftotheownersin
severalty,eachownershallbeentitledtohavehiscertificateentered
showingthesharesetofftohiminseveralty,andtoreceiveanowner's
duplicatethereof.
Ifthelandisorderedbythecourttobesold,thepurchaserorhisassigns
shallbeentitledtocertificateoftitleenteredinhisortheirfavorupon
presentingacertifiedcopyofthejudgmentconfirmingthesale.
Incasethelandisorderedbythecourttobeassignedtooneoftheparties
uponpaymenttotheothersofthesumorderedbythecourt,thepartyto
whomthelandisthusassignedshallbeentitledtohaveacertificateoftitle
enteredinhisfavoruponpresentingacertifiedcopyofthejudgment:
Provided,however,thatanynewcertificateenteredinpursuanceofpartition
proceedings,whetherbywayofsetofforofassignmentorofsale,shall
containareferencememorandumtothefinaljudgmentofpartition,and
shallbeconclusiveastothetitletothesameextentandagainstthesame
personsassuchjudgmentismadeconclusivebythelawsapplicablethereto:
andprovided,further,thatanypersonholdingsuchcertificateoftitleora
transferthereofshallhavetherighttopetitionthecourtatanytimeto
cancelthememorandumrelatingtosuchjudgmentororderandthecourt,
afternoticeandhearing,maygrantthepetition.Suchcertificateshall
thereafterbeconclusiveinthesamemannerandtothesameextentas
othercertificatesoftitle.

Section82.Registrationofpriorregisteredmortgagedorleaseon
partitionedproperty.Ifacertifiedcopyofafinaljudgmentordecreeof
partitionispresentedanditappearsthatamortgageorleaseaffectinga
specificportionoranundividedshareofthepremiseshadpreviouslybeen
registered,theRegisterofDeedsshallcarryoversuchencumbranceonthe
certificateoftitlethatmaybeissued.
Section83.Noticeofinsolvency.Wheneverproceedinginbankruptcyor
insolvency,oranalogousproceedings,areinstitutedagainstadebtorwho
ownsregisteredland,itshallbethedutyoftheofficerservingthenoticeof
theinstitutionofsuchproceedingsonthedebtortofileacopythereofwith
theofficeoftheRegisterofDeedsfortheprovinceorcitywherethelandof
thedebtorlies.Theassigneeortrusteeappointedbythecourtinsuch
proceedingsshallbeentitledtotheentryofanewcertificateofthe
registeredlandofthedebtororbankrupt,uponpresentingandfilinga
certifiedcopyoftheassignmentininsolvencyororderoradjudicationin
bankruptcywiththeinsolvent'sorbankrupt'sduplicatecertificateoftitle
butthenewcertificateshallstatethatitisenteredtohimasassigneein
insolvencyortrusteeinbankruptcyorotherproceedings,asthecasemay
be.
Section84.Judgmentorordervacatinginsolvencyproceedings.Whenever
anyoftheproceedingsofthecharacternamedintheprecedingsection
againstaregisteredowner,ofwhichnoticehasbeenregistered,isvacated
byjudgment,acertifiedcopyofthejudgmentorordermayberegistered.
Whereanewcertificatehasbeenenteredinthenameoftheassigneeor
trustee,suchcertificateshallbesurrenderedforcancellationandforthwith
thedebtorshallbeentitledtotheentryofanewcertificatetohim.
Section85.Landtakenbyeminentdomain.Wheneveranyregisteredland,
orinteresttherein,isexpropriatedortakenbyeminentdomain,theNational
Government,province,city,municipality,oranyotheragencyor
instrumentalityexercisingsuchrightshallfileforregistrationintheproper
Registryacertifiedcopyofthejudgmentwhichshallstatedefinitely,byan
adequatedescription,theparticularpropertyorinterestexpropriated,the
numberofthecertificateoftitle,andthenatureofthepublicuse.A
memorandumoftherightorinteresttakenshallbemadeoneachcertificate
oftitlebytheRegisterofDeeds,andwherethefeesimpletitleistaken,a
newcertificateshallbeissuedinfavoroftheNationalGovernment,province,
city,municipality,oranyotheragencyorinstrumentalityexercisingsuch
rightforthelandsotaken.Thelegalexpensesincidenttothememorandum
ofregistrationorissuancesincidenttothememorandumofregistrationor
issuanceofanewcertificateshallbefortheaccountoftheauthoritytaking
thelandorinteresttherein.

Section86.Extrajudicialsettlementofestate.Whenadeedofextrajudicial
settlementhasbeendulyregistered,theRegisterofDeedsshallannotateon
thepropertitlethetwoyearlienmentionedinSection4ofRule74ofthe
RulesofCourt.Upontheexpirationofthetwoyearperiodandpresentation
ofaverifiedpetitionbytheregisteredheirs,deviseesorlegateesorany
otherpartyininterestthatnoclaimorclaimsofanycreditor,heirorother
personexist,theRegisterofDeedsshallcancelthetwoyearliennotedon
thetitlewithoutthenecessityofacourtorder.Theverifiedpetitionshallbe
enteredinthePrimaryEntryBookandamemorandumthereofmadeonthe
title.
Nodeedofextrajudicialsettlementoraffidavitofadjudicationshallbe
registeredunlessthefactofextrajudicialsettlementoradjudicationis
publishedonceaweekforthreeconsecutiveweeksinanewspaperof
generalcirculationintheprovinceandproofthereofisfiledwiththeRegister
ofDeeds.Theproofmayconsistofthecertificationofthepublisher,printer,
hisforemanorprincipalclerk,oroftheeditor,businessoradvertising
managerofthenewspaperconcerned,oracopyofeachweek'sissueofthe
newspaperwhereinthepublicationappeared.
Section87.Filingoflettersofadministrationandwill.Beforetheexecutor
oradministratoroftheestateofadeceasedownerofregisteredlandmay
dealwiththesame,heshallfilewiththeofficeoftheRegisterofDeedsa
certifiedcopyofhislettersofadministrationorifthereisawill,acertified
copythereofandtheorderallowingthesame,togetherwiththeletters
testamentaryorofadministrationwiththewillannexed,asthecasemaybe,
andshallproducetheduplicatecertificateoftitle,andthereuponthe
RegisterofDeedsshallenteruponthecertificateamemorandumthereof,
makingreferencetothelettersand/orwillbytheirfilenumber,andthedate
offilingthesame.
Section88.Dealingsbyadministeringsubjecttocourtapproval.Aftera
memorandumofthewill,ifany,andorderallowingthesame,andletters
testamentaryorlettersofadministrationhavebeenentereduponthe
certificateoftitleashereinaboveprovided,theexecutororadministrator
mayalienateorencumberregisteredlandbelongingtotheestate,orany
interesttherein,uponapprovalofthecourtobtainedasprovidedbythe
RulesofCourt.
Section89.Landdevisedtoexecutor.Whenitappearsbywill,acertified
copyofwhichwithletterstestamentaryhadalreadybeenfiledasprovidedin
thisDecree,thatregisteredlandisdevisedtotheexecutortohisownuse,
oruponsometrust,theexecutormayhavethelandtransferredtohimself
upontheregisterinlikemannerandsubjecttoliketermsandconditionsand

tolikerightsasinthecaseofatransferpursuanttoadeedfiledintheoffice
oftheRegisterofDeeds.
Section90.Whenexecutorempoweredbywilltosell,etc.Whenthewillof
adeceasedownerofregisteredlands,oraninteresttherein,empowersthe
executortosell,convey,encumber,chargeorotherwisedealwiththeland,
acertifiedcopyofthewillandletterstestamentarybeingfiledasprovidedin
thisDecree,suchexecutormaysell,convey,encumber,chargeorotherwise
dealwiththelandpursuanttothepowerinlikemannerasifhewere
registeredowner,subjecttothetermsandconditionsandlimitations
expressedinthewill.
Section91.Transferinanticipationoffinaldistribution.Wheneverthecourt
havingjurisdictionofthetestateorintestateproceedingsdirectsthe
executororadministratortotakeoverandtransfertothedeviseesorheirs,
oranyofthem,inanticipationoffinaldistributionaportionorthewholeof
theregisteredlandtowhichtheymightbeentitledonfinaldistribution,upon
thefilingofacertifiedcopyofsuchorderintheofficeoftheRegisterof
Deeds,theexecutororadministratorymaycausesuchtransfertobemade
upontheregisterinlikemannerasincaseofasale,anduponthe
presentationoftheowner'sduplicatecertificatetotheRegisterofDeeds,the
deviseesorheirsconcernedshallbeentitledtotheissuanceofthe
correspondingcertificatesoftitle.
Section92.Registrationoffinaldistributionofestate.Acertifiedcopyof
thepartitionanddistribution,togetherwiththefinaljudgmentororderof
thecourtapprovingthesameorotherwisemakingfinaldistribution,
supportedbyevidenceofpaymentofestatetaworexemptiontherefrom,as
thecasemaybe,shallbefiledwiththeRegisterofDeeds,anduponthe
presentationoftheowner'sduplicatecertificateoftitle,newcertificatesof
titleshallbeissuedtothepartiesseverallyentitledtheretoinaccordance
withtheapprovedpartitionanddistribution.
CHAPTERVII
ASSURANCEFUND
Section93.ContributiontoAssuranceFund.Upontheentryofacertificate
oftitleinthenameoftheregisteredowner,andalsoupontheoriginal
registrationonthecertificateoftitleofabuildingorotherimprovementson
thelandcoveredbysaidcertificate,aswellasupontheentryofacertificate
pursuanttoanysubsequenttransferofregisteredland,thereshallbepaid
totheRegisterofDeedsonefourthofonepercentoftheassessedvalueof
therealestateonthebasisofthelastassessmentfortaxationpurposes,as
contributiontotheAssuranceFund.Wherethelandinvolvedhasnotyet
beenassessedfortaxation,itsvalueforpurposesofthisdecreeshallbe

determinedbythesworndeclarationoftwodisinterestedpersonstothe
effectthatthevaluefixedbythemistotheirknowledge,afairvaluation.
Nothinginthissectionshallinanywayprecludethecourtfromincreasing
thevaluationofthepropertyshoulditappearduringthehearingthatthe
valuestatedistoosmall.
Section94.Custodyandinvestmentoffund.Allmoneyreceivedbythe
RegisterofDeedsundertheprecedingsectionshallbepaidtotheNational
Treasurer.HeshallkeepthismoneyinanAssuranceFundwhichmaybe
investedinthemannerandformauthorizedbylaw,andshallreport
annuallytotheCommissioneroftheBudgettheconditionandincome
thereof.
TheincomeoftheAssuranceFundshallbeaddedtotheprincipaluntilsaid
fundamountstofivehundredthousandpesos,inwhicheventtheexcess
incomefrominvestmentsaswellasfromthecollectionsofsuchfundshall
bepaidintotheNationalTreasurytotheaccountoftheAssuranceFund.
Section95.Actionforcompensationfromfunds.Apersonwho,without
negligenceonhispart,sustainslossordamage,orisdeprivedoflandorany
estateorinterestthereininconsequenceofthebringingofthelandunder
theoperationoftheTorrenssystemofarisingafteroriginalregistrationof
land,throughfraudorinconsequenceofanyerror,omission,mistakeor
misdescriptioninanycertificateoftitleorinanyentryormemorandumin
theregistrationbook,andwhobytheprovisionsofthisDecreeisbarredor
otherwiseprecludedundertheprovisionofanylawfrombringinganaction
fortherecoveryofsuchlandortheestateorinteresttherein,maybringan
actioninanycourtofcompetentjurisdictionfortherecoveryofdamagesto
bepaidoutoftheAssuranceFund.
Section96.Againstwhomactionfiled.Ifsuchactionisbroughttorecover
forlossordamageorfordeprivationoflandorofanyestateorinterest
thereinarisingwhollythroughfraud,negligence,omission,mistakeor
misfeasanceofthecourtpersonnel,RegisterofDeeds,hisdeputy,orother
employeesoftheRegistryintheperformanceoftheirrespectiveduties,the
actionshallbebroughtagainsttheRegisterofDeedsoftheprovinceorcity
wherethelandissituatedandtheNationalTreasurerasdefendants.Butif
suchactionisbroughttorecoverforlossordamageorfordeprivationof
landorofanyinterestthereinarisingthroughfraud,negligence,omission,
mistakeormisfeasanceofpersonotherthancourtpersonnel,theRegisterof
Deeds,hisdeputyorotheremployeesoftheRegistry,suchactionshallbe
broughtagainsttheRegisterofDeeds,theNationalTreasurerandother
personorpersons,ascodefendants.ItshallbethedutyoftheSolicitor
Generalinpersonorbyrepresentativetoappearandtodefendallsuchsuits

withtheaidofthefiscaloftheprovinceorcitywherethelandlies:Provided,
however,thatnothinginthisDecreeshallbeconstruedtodeprivethe
plaintiffofanyrightofactionwhichhemayhaveagainstanypersonfor
suchlossordamageordeprivationwithoutjoiningtheNationalTreasureras
partydefendant.IneveryactionfiledagainsttheAssuranceFund,thecourt
shallconsiderthereportoftheCommissionerofLandRegistration.
Section97.Judgment,howsatisfied.Iftherearedefendantsotherthanthe
NationalTreasurerandtheRegisterofDeedsandjudgmentisenteredfor
theplaintiffandagainsttheNationalTreasury,theRegisterofDeedsand
anyoftheotherdefendants,executionshallfirstissueagainstsuch
defendantsotherthantheNationalandtheRegisterofDeeds.Ifthe
executionisreturnedunsatisfiedinwholeorinpart,andtheofficer
returningthesamecertificatesthattheamountduecannotbecollectedfrom
thelandorpersonalpropertyofsuchotherdefendants,onlythenshallthe
court,uponpropershowing,ordertheamountoftheexecutionandcosts,or
somuchthereofasremainsunpaid,tobepaidbytheNationaltreasurerout
oftheAssuranceFund.InanactionunderthisDecree,theplaintiffcannot
recoverascompensationmorethanthefairmarketvalueofthelandatthe
timehesufferedtheloss,damage,ordeprivationthereof.
Section98.GeneralFundwhenliable.IfatanytimetheAssuranceFundis
notsufficienttosatisfysuchjudgment,theNationalTreasurershallmakeup
forthedeficiencyfromanyfundsavailableinthetreasurynototherwise
appropriated.
Section99.Subrogationofgovernmenttoplaintiff'srights.Ineverycase
wherepaymenthasbeenmadebytheNationalTreasurerinaccordancewith
theprovisionsofthisDecree,theGovernmentoftheRepublicofthe
Philippinesshallbesubrogatedtotherightsoftheplaintiffagainstanyother
partiesorsecurities.TheNationalTreasurershallenforcesaidrightsandthe
amountrecoveredshallbepaidtotheaccountoftheAssuranceFund.
Section100.RegisterofDeedsaspartyininterest.Whenitappearsthat
theAssuranceFundmaybeliablefordamagesthatmaybeincurreddueto
theunlawfulorerroneousissuanceofacertificateoftitle,theRegisterof
Deedsconcernedshallbedeemedaproperpartyininterestwhoshall,upon
authorityoftheCommissionerofLandRegistration,filethenecessaryaction
incourttoannuloramendthetitle.
ThecourtmayordertheRegisterofDeedstoamendorcancelacertificate
oftitleortodoanyotheractasmaybejustandequitable.
Section101.Lossesnotrecoverable.TheAssuranceFundshallnotbeliable
foranyloss,damageordeprivationcausedoroccasionedbyabreachof

trust,whetherexpress,impliedorconstructiveorbyanymistakeinthe
resurveyedorsubdivisionofregisteredlandresultingintheexpansionof
areainthecertificateoftitle.
Section102.LimitationofAction.Anyactionforcompensationagainstthe
AssuranceFundbyreasonofanyloss,damageordeprivationoflandorany
interestthereinshallbeinstitutedwithinaperiodofsixyearsfromthetime
therighttobringsuchactionfirstoccurred:Provided,Thattherightof
actionhereinprovidedshallsurvivetothelegalrepresentativeoftheperson
sustaininglossordamage,unlessbarredinhislifetimeandProvided,
further,Thatifatthetimesuchrightofactionfirstaccruedtheperson
entitledtobringsuchactionwasaminororinsaneorimprisoned,or
otherwiseunderlegaldisability,suchpersonoranyoneclaimingfrom,byor
underhimmaybringtheproperactionatanytimewithintwoyearsafter
suchdisabilityhasbeenremoved,notwithstandingtheexpirationofthe
originalperiodofsixyearsfirstaboveprovided.
CHAPTERVIII
REGISTRATIONOFPATENTS
Section103.Certificatesoftitlepursuanttopatents.Wheneverpublicland
isbytheGovernmentalienated,grantedorconveyedtoanyperson,the
sameshallbebroughtforthwithundertheoperationofthisDecree.Itshall
bethedutyoftheofficialissuingtheinstrumentofalienation,grant,patent
orconveyanceinbehalfoftheGovernmenttocausesuchinstrumenttobe
filedwiththeRegisterofDeedsoftheprovinceorcitywherethelandlies,
andtobethereregisteredlikeotherdeedsandconveyance,whereupona
certificateoftitleshallbeenteredasinothercasesofregisteredland,and
anowner'sduplicateissuedtothegrantee.Thedeed,grant,patentor
instrumentofconveyancefromtheGovernmenttothegranteeshallnot
takeeffectasaconveyanceorbindthelandbutshalloperateonlyasa
contractbetweentheGovernmentandthegranteeandasevidenceof
authoritytotheRegisterofDeedstomakeregistration.Itistheactof
registrationthatshallbetheoperativeacttoaffectandconveytheland,and
inallcasesunderthisDecree,registrationshallbemadeintheofficeofthe
RegisterofDeedsoftheprovinceorcitywherethelandlies.Thefeesfor
registrationshallbepaidbythegrantee.Afterdueregistrationandissuance
ofthecertificateoftitle,suchlandshallbedeemedtoberegisteredlandto
allintentsandpurposesunderthisDecree.
CHAPTERIX
CERTIFICATEOFLANDTRANSFER,EMANCIPATIONPATENT,
AFFIDAVITOFNONTENANCY

Section104.ProvisionalRegisterofDocuments.TheDepartmentof
AgrarianReformshallpreparebyautomatedataprocessingaspecial
registrybooktobeknownasthe"ProvisionalRegisterofDocumentsissued
underPD27"whichshallbekeptandmaintainedineveryRegistryofDeeds
throughoutthecountry.SaidRegistryBookshallbearegisterof:
a.AllCertificatesofLandTransfer(CLT)issuedpursuanttoP.D.No.
27and
b.AllsubsequenttransactionsaffectingCertificatesofLandTransfer
suchasadjustments,transfer,duplicationandcancellationsof
erroneousCertificatesofLandTransfer.
Section105.CertificatesofLandTransferEmancipationPatents.The
DepartmentofAgrarianreformshallpursuanttoP.D.No.27issuein
duplicate,aCertificateofLandTransferforeverylandbroughtunder
"OperationLandTransfer",theoriginalofwhichshallbekeptbythe
tenantfarmerandtheduplicate,intheRegistryofDeeds.
Afterthetenantfarmershallhavefullycompliedwiththerequirementsfora
grantoftitleunderP.D.No.27,anEmancipationPatentwhichmaycover
previouslytitledoruntitledpropertyshallbeissuedbytheDepartmentof
AgrarianReform.
TheRegisterofDeedsshallcompletetheentriesontheaforementioned
EmancipationPatentandshallassignanoriginalcertificateoftitlenumberin
caseofunregisteredland,andincaseofregisteredproperty,shallissuethe
correspondingtransfercertificateoftitlewithoutrequiringthesurrenderof
theowner'sduplicateofthetitletobecanceled.
Incaseofdeathofthegrantee,theDepartmentofAgrarianReformshall
determinehisheirsorsuccessorsininterestandshallnotifytheRegisterof
Deedsaccordingly.
IncaseofsubsequenttransferofpropertycoveredbyanEmancipation
PatentoraCertificateofTitleemanatingfromanEmancipationPatent,the
RegisterofDeedsshallaffectthetransferonlyuponreceiptofthe
supportingpapersfromtheDepartmentofAgrarianReform.
Nofee,premium,oftaxofanykindshallbechargedorimposedin
connectionwiththeissuanceofanoriginalEmancipationPatentandforthe
registrationorrelateddocuments.
Section106.Saleofagriculturallandaffidavit.Novoluntarydeedor
instrumentpurportingtobeasubdivision,mortgage,lease,saleorany

othermodeofencumbranceorconveyanceofprivateagriculturalland
principallydevotedtoriceorcornoranyportionthereofshallberegistered
unlessaccompaniedbyanaffidavitofthevendororexecutorstatingthat
thelandinvolvedisnottenanted,oriftenanted,thesameisnotprimarily
devotedtotheproductionofriceand/orcorn.
Ifonlyaportionofthelandisprimarilydevotedtotheproductionofrice
and/orcorn,andsuchareasodevotedistenanted,nosuchdeedor
instrumentshallberegisteredunlessaccompaniedbyanaffidavitstatingthe
area(size)oftheportionwhichistenantedandprimarilydevotedtorice
and/orcorn,andstatingfurtherthatthedeedorinstrumentcoversonlythe
untenantedportionorthatwhichisnotprimarilydevotedtotheproduction
ofriceand/orcorn.Amemorandumofsaidaffidavitshallbeannotatedon
thecertificateoftitle.TheRegisterofDeedsshallcauseacopyofthe
registereddeedorinstrument,togetherwiththeaffidavit,tobefurnished
theDepartmentofAgrarianReformRegionalOfficewherethelandis
located.Theaffidavitprovidedinthissectionshallnotberequiredinthe
caseofatenantfarmerwhodealswithhisCertificateofLandTransferor
EmancipationPatentinaccordancewithlaw.
CHAPTERX
PETITIONSANDACTIONSAFTERORIGINALREGISTRATION
Section107.Surrenderofwithholdduplicatecertificates.Whereitis
necessarytoissueanewcertificateoftitlepursuanttoanyinvoluntary
instrumentwhichdiveststhetitleoftheregisteredowneragainsthis
consentorwhereavoluntaryinstrumentcannotberegisteredbyreasonof
therefusalorfailureoftheholdertosurrendertheowner'sduplicate
certificateoftitle,thepartyininterestmayfileapetitionincourttocompel
surrenderofthesametotheRegisterofDeeds.Thecourt,afterhearing,
mayordertheregisteredowneroranypersonwithholdingtheduplicate
certificatetosurrenderthesame,anddirecttheentryofanewcertificateor
memorandumuponsuchsurrender.Ifthepersonwithholdingtheduplicate
certificateisnotamenabletotheprocessofthecourt,orifnotanyreason
theoutstandingowner'sduplicatecertificatecannotbedelivered,thecourt
mayordertheannulmentofthesameaswellastheissuanceofanew
certificateoftitleinlieuthereof.Suchnewcertificateandallduplicates
thereofshallcontainamemorandumoftheannulmentoftheoutstanding
duplicate.
Section108.Amendmentandalterationofcertificates.Noerasure,
alteration,oramendmentshallbemadeupontheregistrationbookafterthe
entryofacertificateoftitleorofamemorandumthereonandthe
attestationofthesamebeRegisterofDeeds,exceptbyorderoftheproper
CourtofFirstInstance.Aregisteredownerofotherpersonhavingan

interestinregisteredproperty,or,inpropercases,theRegisterofDeeds
withtheapprovaloftheCommissionerofLandRegistration,mayapplyby
petitiontothecourtuponthegroundthattheregisteredinterestsofany
description,whethervested,contingent,expectantorinchoateappearingon
thecertificate,haveterminatedandceasedorthatnewinterestnot
appearinguponthecertificatehavearisenorbeencreatedorthatan
omissionorerrorwasmadeinenteringacertificateoranymemorandum
thereon,or,onanyduplicatecertificateorthatthesameoranypersonon
thecertificatehasbeenchangedorthattheregisteredownerhasmarried,
or,ifregisteredasmarried,thatthemarriagehasbeenterminatedandno
rightorinterestsofheirsorcreditorswilltherebybeaffectedorthata
corporationwhichownedregisteredlandandhasbeendissolvedhasnot
convenedthesamewithinthreeyearsafteritsdissolutionoruponany
otherreasonablegroundandthecourtmayhearanddeterminethepetition
afternoticetoallpartiesininterest,andmayordertheentryorcancellation
ofanewcertificate,theentryorcancellationofamemorandumupona
certificate,orgrantanyotherreliefuponsuchtermsandconditions,
requiringsecurityorbondifnecessary,asitmayconsiderproperProvided,
however,Thatthissectionshallnotbeconstruedtogivethecourtauthority
toreopenthejudgmentordecreeofregistration,andthatnothingshallbe
doneororderedbythecourtwhichshallimpairthetitleorotherinterestof
apurchaserholdingacertificateforvalueandingoodfaith,orhisheirsand
assigns,withouthisortheirwrittenconsent.Wheretheowner'sduplicate
certificateisnotpresented,asimilarpetitionmaybefiledasprovidedinthe
precedingsection.
AllpetitionsormotionsfiledunderthisSectionaswellasunderanyother
provisionofthisDecreeafteroriginalregistrationshallbefiledandentitled
intheoriginalcaseinwhichthedecreeorregistrationwasentered.
Section109.Noticeandreplacementoflostduplicatecertificate.Incaseof
lossortheftofanowner'sduplicatecertificateoftitle,duenoticeunderoath
shallbesentbytheownerorbysomeoneinhisbehalftotheRegisterof
Deedsoftheprovinceorcitywherethelandliesassoonasthelossortheft
isdiscovered.Ifaduplicatecertificateislostordestroyed,orcannotbe
producedbyapersonapplyingfortheentryofanewcertificatetohimorfor
theregistrationofanyinstrument,aswornstatementofthefactofsuchloss
ordestructionmaybefiledbytheregisteredownerorotherpersonin
interestandregistered.
Uponthepetitionoftheregisteredownerorotherpersonininterest,the
courtmay,afternoticeandduehearing,directtheissuanceofanew
duplicatecertificate,whichshallcontainamemorandumofthefactthatitis
issuedinplaceofthelostduplicatecertificate,butshallinallrespectsbe

entitledtolikefaithandcreditastheoriginalduplicate,andshallthereafter
beregardedassuchforallpurposesofthisdecree.
Section110.ReconstitutionoflostordestroyedoriginalofTorrens
title.Originalcopiesofcertificatesoftitlelostordestroyedintheofficesof
RegisterofDeedsaswellasliensandencumbrancesaffectingthelands
coveredbysuchtitlesshallbereconstitutedjudiciallyinaccordancewiththe
procedureprescribedinRepublicActNo.26insofarasnotinconsistentwith
thisDecree.Theprocedurerelativetoadministrativereconstitutionoflostor
destroyedcertificateprescribedinsaidActisherebyabrogated.
Noticeofallhearingsofthepetitionforjudicialreconstitutionshallbegiven
totheRegisterofDeedsoftheplacewherethelandissituatedandtothe
CommissionerofLandRegistration.Noorderorjudgmentorderingthe
reconstitutionofacertificateoftitleshallbecomefinaluntilthelapseof
thirtydaysfromreceiptbytheRegisterofDeedsandbytheCommissioner
ofLandRegistrationofanoticeofsuchorderorjudgmentwithoutany
appealhavingbeenfiledbyanyofsuchofficials.
CHAPTERXI
SCHEDULEOFFEES:SPECIALFUND
Section111.Feespayable.ThefeespayabletotheClerkofCourt,the
Sheriff,theRegisterofDeedsandtheLandRegistrationCommissionshallbe
asfollows:
A.FeespayabletotheClerkofCourt.Thefeespayabletotheclerkof
courtorhisdeputiesshallbeasfollows:
1.Forfilinganapplicationfortheregistrationofland,thefees
shallbebasedontheassessedvalueofthepropertyforthe
currentyear,inaccordancewiththefollowingschedule
(a)Whenthevalueofthepropertydoesnotexceedtwo
thousandpesos,fifteenpesosforthefirstfivehundred
pesos,orfractionalpartthereof,andfivepesosforeach
additionalfivehundredpesos,orfractionalpartthereof.
(b)Whenthevalueofthepropertydoesnotexceedtwo
thousandpesosbutdoesnotexceedtenthousandpesos,
thirtyfivepesosforthefirstthreethousandpesos,or
fractionalpartthereof,andfivepesosforeachadditional
onethousandpesos,orfractionalpartthereof.

(c)Whenthevalueofthepropertyismorethanten
thousandpesosbutdoesnotexceedonehundred
thousandpesos,eightypesosforthefirsttwentythousand
pesos,orfractionalpartthereof,andtenpesosforeach
additionaltenthousandpesos,orfractionalpartthereof.
(d)Whenthevalueofthepropertyismorethanone
hundredthousandpesosbutdoesnotexceedfivehundred
thousandpesos,onehundredeightypesosforthefirstone
hundredtwentyfivethousandpesos,orfractionalpart
thereof,andtwentypesosforeachadditionaltwentyfive
thousandpesos,orfractionalpartthereof.
(e)Whenthevalueofthepropertyismorethanfive
hundredthousandpesos,fivehundredtwentypesosfor
thefirstfivehundredfiftythousandpesos,orfractional
partthereof,andfortypesosforeachadditionalfifty
thousandpesos,orfractionalpartthereof.
Ifthepropertyhasnotbeenassessedfortaxation,thefees
aboveprescribedshallbebasedonthecurrentmarketvalue
andtheapplicantshallfilewithhisapplicationasworn
declarationofthreedisinterestedpersonsthatthevaluefixedby
himistotheirknowledgeafairvaluation.
2.Forfilingapetitionforreviewofjudgmentanddecree,or
otherclaimadversetotheregisteredowner,foreachpetition,
twentypesos.
3.Forfilingapetitionafterthedecisionhasbecomefinal,twenty
pesos.Ifitaffectslanddecreesinmorethanonecase,foreach
additionalcase,onepeso.Ifitaffectsseverallotsorparcelsof
landinwhichthepetitionershavenocommoninterest,eachof
suchpetitionersshallpaythecorrespondingfeesasifseparate
petitionshadbeenfiledbyhim.
B.FeespayabletotheSheriff.Thesheriffshallcollectfeesforhis
servicesrenderedinconnectionwithlandregistrationandcadastral
proceedingsasfollows:
1.Forpostingnoticesofinitialhearingoflandregistrationcases
inconspicuousplacesonthelandsdescribedinthenotice,for
eachparceloflandonwhichacopyofsuchnoticeisposted,
besidestravelfees,threepesos.

2.Forpostingnoticesofinitialhearingofcadastralcasesin
conspicuousplacesonthelandsincludedinthesurvey,foreach
groupofonehundredlotsonwhichacopyofthenoticeis
posted,besidestravelfees,threepesos.
3.Forpostingonecopyofanoticeofinitialhearingina
conspicuousplaceuponthemunicipalbuildingofthecity,
municipality,ormunicipaldistrictinwhichthelandorportion
thereoflies,besidestravelfees,threepesos.
4.Forservingnoticesuponcadastralclaimantstoappearbefore
thecourt,travelfeesonlyasprovidedintheRulesofCourt.
5.Forallotherservicesnotmentionedabove,thesamefees
includingtravelfeesasprovidedintheRulesofCourtforsimilar
services.
C.FeespayabletotheRegisterofDeeds.TheRegisterofDeedsshall
collectfeesforallservicesrenderedbyhimunderthisDecreein
accordancewiththefollowingschedule:
1.Originalcertificateoftitle.Fortheentryofoneoriginal
certificateoftitleandissuanceofoneowner'sduplicate
certificate,tenpesosforthefirstparceloflanddescribed
thereonandfivepesosforeachadditionalparcel.
2.Entryfee.Foreachentryfeeintheprimaryentrybook,five
pesos.
3.Attachment,levy,etc.Fortheannotationofanattachment,
levy,writofexecution,adverseclaim,fivepesosforeachparcel
oflandaffectedthereby.
4.LisPendens,etc.Fortheannotationofanoticeoflispendens,
orofanydocumentororderinconnectiontherewith,foreachof
landaffectedthereby,fivepesos.
5.Releaseofencumbrance.Fortheannotationofareleaseof
anyencumbrance,exceptmortgage,lease,orotherlienforthe
cancellationofwhichaspecificfeeisprescribedherein,foreach
parceloflandsoreleased,fivepesosbutthetotalamountof
feestobecollectedshallnotexceedtheamountoffeespaidfor
theregistrationofsuchencumbrance.

6.CourtOrder.Fortheannotationofanorderofthecourtfor
theamendmentof,orthemakingofamemorandumon,a
certificateoftitle,exceptinclusionofbuildingsorimprovements,
oranyorderdirectingtheregistrationofadocument,orofany
rightorinterestreferredtoinsaidorder,orthecancellationofa
certificateoftitleand/ortheissuanceofanewone,tenpesos
foreachcertificateoftitleonwhichtheannotationismade,in
additiontothefeesprescribedunderparagraphssixteenor
seventeen,asthecasemaybe,ofthissubsection,inthesame
arealsoduefortheregistrationofsuchdocument,rightor
interest.
7.Building.Fortheannotationofanorderofthecourtforthe
inclusionofbuildingand/orimprovementinacertificateoftitle,
tenpesosforeachcertificateoftitle.
8.Powersofattorney,lettersofadministration,appointmentof
guardian,resolutionorrevocationthereof.Forregisteringand
filingapowerofattorney,lettersofadministrationorletters
testamentarywhetherornotaccompaniedbyacopyofthe
testament,certificateofallowanceofawillwithattestedcopyof
thewillannexed,appointmentofguardianforaminoror
incompetentperson,appointmentofreceiver,trustee,or
administrator,articlesofincorporationofanycorporation,
associationorpartnership,orresolutionofitsboardofdirectors
empoweringanofficerormemberthereoftoactinbehalfofthe
same,twentypesosandfortheannotationofsuchpaperson
certificatesoftitlewhenrequiredbyexistinglawsorregulations,
fivepesosforeachcertificateoftitlesoannotated:Provided,
however,thatwhenthecertificateofallowanceofawillandthe
letterstestamentaryorlettersofadministrationarefiled
together,onlyonefeeshallbecollected.Forregisteringan
instrumentofrevocationofanyofthepapermentionedabove,
fivepesos,andifannotatedonthecorrespondingcertificateof
title,threepesosforeachcertificateoftitle.
9.Noticeoftaxlien,loss,etc.Fortheannotationofanoticeof
taxlienofanydescriptionnoticeoflostduplicateorcopyofa
certificateoftitle,orderofthecourtdeclaringsuchduplicateor
copynullandvoid,noticeofchangeofaddress,orthe
cancellationofanysuchannotation,foreachcertificateoftitle,
fivepesos.
10.Carryoverofannotation.Fortransferringthememorandum
ofanencumbranceofanykindfromonecertificateoftitlewhich

iscanceledtoanewoneinlieuthereof,foreachmemorandum
thustransferred,fivepesos.
11.Annotationonadditionalcopyoftitle.Foranymemorandum
madeinastandingcoowner'scopyofacertificateoftitleaftera
similarmemorandumhasbeenmadeintheoriginalthereof,of
eachcertificateoftitle,fivepesos.
12.Nospecificfee.Foranymemorandummadeinacertificate
oftitleforwhichnospecificfeeisprescribeabove,foreach
certificateoftitle,fivepesos.
13.Transfertotrustee,executor,administratorreceiver.Forthe
issuanceofatransfercertificateoftitle,includingitsduplicate,
toatrustee,executor,administrator,orreceiver,orforthe
cancellationofsuchcertificateoftitleandissuanceofanewone,
includingitsduplicate,tothecestuiquetrustincaseof
trusteeship,tenpesos.Ifthecertificatecoversmorethanone
parcelorlot,anadditionalfeeoffivepesosshallbecollectedfor
eachadditionalparcelorlot.
14.Transfercertificateoftitle.Fortheissuanceofatransfer
certificateoftitle,includingitsduplicate,toapersonotherthan
thosenamedinthenextprecedingparagraph,tenpesos,in
additiontothefeeshereinafterprescribedinparagraphsixteen
orseventeen,asthecasemaybe,ofthissubsection,ifthesame
arealsodue.Ifthecertificatecoversmorethanoneparcelor
lot,anadditionalfeeoffivepesosshallbecollectedforeach
additionalparcelorlot.
15.Additionalcopyoftitle.Fortheissuanceofanewowner's
duplicateoracoowner'scopyofacertificateoftitle,orany
additionalduplicateorcopythereof,tenpesosforthefirstpage
andfivepesosforeachsubsequentpage,orfractionthereof.
16.Registrationfee.Fortheregistrationofadeedofsale,
conveyance,transfer,exchange,partition,ordonationadeedof
salewithpactoderetro,conditionalsale,sheriff'ssaleatpublic
auction,salefornonpaymentoftaxes,oranysalesubjectto
redemption,ortherepurchaseorredemptionofthepropertyso
soldanyinstrument,order,judgmentordecreedivestingthe
titleoftheregisteredowner,exceptinfavorofatrustee,
executor,administratororreceiveroptiontopurchaseor
promisetosellanymortgage,surety,bond,lease,easement,
rightofway,orotherrealrightorliencreatedorconstitutedby

virtueofadistinctcontractoragreement,andnotasan
incidentalconditionofsale,transferorconveyancethe
assignment,enlargement,extensionornovationofamortgage
orofanyotherrealright,orareleaseofmortgage,termination
oflease,orconsolidationofownershipoverapropertysoldwith
pactoderetrowherenospecificfeeisprescribedthereforinthe
precedingparagraphs,thefeesshallbebasedonthevalueof
theconsiderationinaccordancewiththefollowingschedule:
(a)Sixthousandpesosmaximum.Whenthevalueofthe
considerationdoesnotexceedsixthousandpesos,seven
pesosforthefirstfivehundredpesos,orfractionalpart
thereof,andthreepesosforeachadditionalfivehundred
pesos,orfractionalpartthereof.
(b)Thirtythousandpesosmaximum.Whenthevalueof
theconsiderationismorethansixthousandpesosbut
doesnotexceedthirtythousandpesos,orfractionalpart
thereof,andeightpesosforeachadditionaltwothousand
pesos,orfractionalpartthereof.
(c)Onehundredthousandpesosmaximum.Whenthe
valueoftheconsiderationismorethanthirtythousand
pesosbutdoesnotexceedonehundredthousandpesos,
onehundredfiftypesosforthefirstthirtyfivethousand
pesos,orfractionalpartthereof,andfourteenpesosor
eachadditionalfivethousandpesos,orfractionalpart
thereof.
(d)Fivehundredthousandpesosmaximum.Whenthe
valueoftheconsiderationismorethanonehundred
thousandpesosbutdoesnotexceedfivehundred
thousandpesos,threehundredfiftytwopesosforthefirst
onehundredtenthousandpesos,orfractionalpart
thereof,andtwentypesosforeachadditionaltenthousand
pesos,orfractionalpartthereof.
(e)Morethanfivehundredthousandpesos.Whenthe
valueoftheconsiderationismorethanfivehundred
thousandpesos,onethousandonehundredsixtytwo
pesosforthefirstfivehundredtwentythousandpesos,or
fractionalpartthereof,andthirtypesosforeachadditional
twentythousandpesos,orfractionalpartthereof.

17.Feesforspecifictransactions.Inthefollowingtransactions,
however,thebasisofthefeescollectibleunderparagraph
sixteenofthissubsection,whetherornotthevalueofthe
considerationisstatedintheinstrument,shallbeashereunder
setforth:
(a)Exchange.Intheexchangeofrealpropertythebasisof
thefeestobepaidbyeachpartyshallbethecurrent
assessedvalueofthepropertiesacquiredbyoneparty
fromtheother,inadditiontothevalueofanyother
consideration,ifany,statedinthecontract.
(b)Hereditarytransfer.Inthetransmissionofan
hereditaryestatewithoutpartitionorsubdivisionofthe
propertyamongtheheirs,deviseesorlegatees,although
withspecificationoftheshareofeachinthevalueofthe
estate,thebasisshallbethetotalcurrentassessedvalue
ofthepropertythustransmitted.
(c)PartitionofhereditaryestateConjugalproperty.Inthe
partitionofanhereditaryestatewhichisstillinthename
ofthedeceased,inwhichdeterminatepropertiesare
adjudicatedtoeachheirdeviseeorlegatee,ortoeach
groupofheirs,deviseesorlegatees,thebasisofthefees
tobepaidbyeachpersonorgroup,asthecasemaybe,
shallbethetotalcurrentassessedvalueoftheproperties
thusadjudicatedtoeachpersonorgroup.Inthecase,
however,ofconjugalproperty,thebasisofthefeesforthe
registrationofonehalfthereofinthenameofthe
survivingspouseshallbethetotalcurrentassessedvalue
ofthepropertiesadjudicatedtosaidspouse.
(d)Subdivisionorpartition.Inthepartitionofreal
propertyheldincommonbyseveralregisteredcoowner's
thebasisofthefeestobepaidbyeachcoownerorgroup
ofcoownersshallbethetotalassessedvalueofthe
propertytakenbyeachcoownerorgroup.
(e)Conveyance:severallotsandparties.Inthesale,
conveyanceortransferoftwoormoreparcelsoflandin
favoroftwoormoreseparatepartiesbutexecutedinone
singleinstrument,thebasisshallbethetotalsellingprice
paidbyeachpartybuyer,or,inthecaseoflumpsum
consideration,suchportionthereofasapportionedin

accordancewiththeassessedvalueoftherespectiveland
acquiredbyeachpartybuyer.
(f)Conveyanceofpropertiesindifferentplaces.Inthe
sale,conveyance,ortransferofpropertiessituatedin
differentcitiesorprovinces,thebasisofthefeesineach
RegistryofDeedswheretheinstrumentistoberegistered
shallbethetotalsellingpriceofthepropertiessituatedin
therespectivecityorprovince,or,inthecaseoflumpsum
consideration,suchportionthereofasobtainedforthose
propertieslyingwithinthejurisdictionoftherespective
registryafterapportioningthetotalconsiderationofthe
sale,conveyanceortransferinaccordancewiththecurrent
assessedvalueofsuchproperties.
(g)Conveyanceofmortgagedproperties.Inthesale,
conveyance,ortransferofamortgagedproperty,thebasis
shallbethesellingpriceofthepropertyproperplusthe
fullamountofthemortgage,ortheunpaidbalancethereof
ifthelatterisstatedintheinstrument.Iftheproperties
aresituatedindifferentcitiesorprovinces,thebasisofthe
feesineachRegistryofDeedswheretheinstrumentisto
beregisteredshallbesuchsumasobtainedforthe
propertiessituatedintherespectivecityorprovinceafter
apportioninginaccordancewiththecurrentassessed
valuesofsaidpropertiesthetotalamountofconsideration
asabovecomputed,unlessthesellingpriceofthe
propertiesineachcityorprovinceandtheproportionate
sharethereofintheamountofunpaidbalanceofthe
mortgagearestatedintheinstrument,inwhichcase,the
aggregateofsuchsellingpriceandshareshallbethe
basis.Inanycase,however,wheretheaggregatevalueof
theconsiderationasabovecomputedshallbelessthanthe
currentassessedvalueofthepropertiesinthecityor
provinceconcerned,suchassessedvalueshallbethebasis
ofthefeesintherespectiveRegistry.
(h)Mortgageofpropertiesindifferentplaces.Ina
mortgageaffectingpropertiessituatedindifferentcitiesor
provinces,thebasisofthefeesineachRegistryofDeeds
wherethedocumentistoberegisteredshallbesuch
amountasobtainedforthepropertieslyingwithinthe
jurisdictionofsaidRegistryafterapportioningthetotal

amountofthemortgageinaccordancewiththecurrent
assessedvalueofsuchproperties.
(i)Releaseofmortgage.Inthereleaseofamortgagethe
basisofthefeesshallbeanamountequaltotenper
centumofthetotalamountofobligationsecuredbythe
mortgage.Ifthepropertiesaresituatedindifferentcities
orprovinces,thebasisofthefeesineachRegistryshallbe
tenpercentumofsuchsumasobtainedfortheproperties
intherespectivecityorprovinceafterapportioningthe
amountofthemortgageinaccordancewiththecurrent
assessedvaluesofsuchproperties.Inthecaseofapartial
release,thefeesshallbebasedontenpercentumofthe
currentassessedvalueofthepropertysoreleasedinthe
respectivecityorprovinceProvided,however,Thatwhere
severalpartialreleaseshadbeenregistered,thefees
correspondingtothefinalreleaseshallbecomputedonthe
basisoftenpercentumofthedifferencebetweenthe
amountofthemortgageandtheaggregateofthe
considerationusedasbasisforthecollectionofthefees
paidfortheregistrationofallpreviouspartialreleases.
(j)Certificateofsale.Inacertificateofsaleatpublic
auctionbyvirtueofanorderofexecutionorsalefor
delinquencyinthepaymentoftaxes,orrepurchaseofthe
propertysosold,thebasisofthefeesineachRegistry
shallbetenpercentumofthesellingorrepurchaseprice
ofthepropertylyingwithinthejurisdictionoftheRegistry.
(k)Affidavitofconsolidationofownership.Inanaffidavit
fortheconsolidationofownershipoverapropertysold
withpactoderetroorpursuanttoanextrajudicial
foreclosureundertheprovisionsofActNumbered
Thirtyonehundredandthirtyfive,asamended,thebasis
ofthefeesineachRegistryshallbeanamountequivalent
totenpercentumoftheconsiderationofthesaleinthe
respectivecityorprovince.
(l)Contractoflease.Incontractsoflease,thebasisofthe
feesineachRegistryshallbethesumtotaltobepaidby
thelesseeforthepropertiessituatedintherespectivecity
orprovinceduringtheentireperiodspecifiedinthe
contract,includingtheextensioncontemplatedbythe
partieswhichmaybegiveneffectwithoutthenecessityof
furtherregistration.Iftheperiodisfromyeartoyear,or

otherwisenotfixed,thebasisshallbethetotalamountof
rentalsdueforthirtymonths.Iftherentalsarenot
distributed,thetotalamountthereofasabovecomputed
shallbeapportionedtosaidpropertiesinaccordancewith
theirassessedvalues,andtheproportionatesumthus
obtainedforeachcityorprovinceshallbethebasisofthe
feestobecollectedintheRegistryconcerned.
(m)Terminationoflease.Intheterminationoflease,the
basisofthefeesineachregistryshallbetenpercentum
oftheamountusedasbasisforthecollectionofthefees
paidfortheregistrationofsaidlease.
(n)Optiontopurchaseorpromisetosell.Incontractsof
optiontopurchaseorpromisetosell,thebasisofthefees
ineachRegistryshallbetenpercentumofthecurrent
assessedvalueofthepropertysubjectofsuchcontractin
therespectivecityorprovince.
(o)Considerationnotstatedorfixedorlessthanassessed
value.Inothertransactionswheretheactualvalueofthe
considerationisnotfixedinthecontractorcannotbe
determinedfromthetermsthereof,or,incaseofasale,
conveyance,ortransfer,theconsiderationstatedisless
thanthecurrentassessedvalueoftheproperty,thebasis
ofthefeesshallbethecurrentassessedvalueofthe
propertyinvolvedinthetransaction.Ifthepropertiesare
situatedindifferentcitiesorprovinces,thebasisofthe
feesineachRegistryshallbethecurrentassessedvalueof
thepropertieslyingwithinthejurisdictionoftheRegistry
concerned.
18.Issuanceofcopyofdocument.Forfurnishingcopiesofany
entry,decree,document,orotherpapersonfile,fiftycentavos
foreachhundredwordsoffractionthereofcontainedinthe
copiesthusfurnished.
19.Certifiedcopy.Forcertifyingacopyfurnishedunderthenext
precedingparagraph,foreachcertification,fivepesosforone
pageandonepesoforeachadditionalpagecertified.
20.Certification.Forissuingacertificaterelativeto,orshowing
theexistenceornonexistenceof,anentryintheregistration
booksoradocumentonfile,foreachsuchcertificatecontaining
notmorethantwohundredwords,fivepesosifitexceedsthat

numberanadditionalfeeofonepesoshallbecollectedforevery
hundredwords,orfractionthereof,inexcessofthefirsttwo
hundredwords.
21.Researchfee.Forservicesrenderedinattendingtorequest
forreferenceorresearchesonanyrecordsordocumentsonfile
intheRegistry,thereshallbecollectedtwopesosperdocument
orrecord.
D.FeespayabletotheCommissionerofLandRegistration.Thefees
payabletotheCommissionerofLandRegistrationshallbeasfollows:
1.Forverificationandapprovalofsubdivisionplans,thefeeshall
be:
(a
Foreachlot................
)

P2.00

(b Foreachcornerofalot,irrespectiveofwhethersuch
) corneriscommontotwoormorelots...............

0.20

(c
Foreachtraversestation............
)

0.10

(d
Foreachobservation...........
)

0.50

(e Incasetheplanisaresurveyedorrelocationplanan
) additional40percentoftheratesprescribedabove
shallbecollected.

Provided,however,thatthetotalfeeascomputedabove,whetherfor
subdivisionand/orconsolidationsubdivisionsurvey,resurveyedor
relocationplan,shallinnocasebelessthanP8.00perplan.
2.Forchangingorcorrectingthenameofanypersonappearing
onthesubdivisionplanorotherplaninordertohaveitconform
tothatstatedinthecertificateoftitlecoveringtheland,andfor
thecancellationofanapprovedplanwhensorequestedbythe
interestedparty,thereshallbeafeeofP5.00perplan.
3.Theratesoffeesprescribedinparagraph1and2,inclusive,
shallapplytosimilarservicesrenderedinconnectionwiththe
examination,verification,andapprovalofconsolidation,
consolidationsubdivision,resubdivision,andreconsolidation

plans,specialworkorderplansonthebasisofcertifiedcopiesof
technicaldescriptionsofplansapprovedbytheLandRegistration
CommissionortheBureauofLands,privatesurveys,andother
plansofsimilarnature.
Inthecomputationoffeesrelativetolotssubjectof
consolidationandconsolidationsubdivisionplans,afeeoftwo
pesosshallbecollectedperlotasappearingintheoldsurveyin
additiontothefeecollectibleinparagraph1hereofforthenew
lots.
4.Forthepreparationofaplaninatracingclothofanysurvey,
thedataofwhichareavailableintheCommission,exceptwhen
thesameismerelytracedfromanexistingplan,thefeesshall
becomputedasfollows:
(a)Whentheplantobesopreparedcontainsonlyonelot:
1 Forthefirsttencornersorfractionthereof
. .........

P40.00

2 Forthenexttencornersorfractionthereof
. ..........

6.00

3 Foreachcornerinexcessofthefirsttwentycorners
. ...........

0.40

(b)Whentheplantobesopreparedcontainstwoormore
lots:
1 Forthefirstlot,whichmustbethebiggestofthegroup,
. irrespectiveofthenumberofitscorner
..........

P40.00

2 Foreachadditionallot,irrespectiveofthenumberofits
. corners,saidlotbeingadjacenttothefirstlotoranyother
lot..

P15.00

3 Foreachnonadjacentlot(otherthanthefirstchargedlot),
. irrespectiveofthenumberofitscorners
...........

P20.00

4 Ifanylotcontainsmorethantwentycornersforeachcorner
. ofs
uchlotinthefirsttwentycorners
.........

P0.40

5.Forthepreparationofaplanintracingcloth,tobetraced
fromanexistingplan,completewithbearingsanddistancesof
cornersandtielines,thefeeshallbe30percentumofthefees
prescribedinparagraph4above.
6.Forthepreparationofaplanintracingcloth,tobecopied
fromanexistingplan,completewithbearingsanddistancesof
sidesandtielines,butusingadifferentscale,thefeeshallbe
50percentumofthefeesprescribedunderparagraph4above,
ifmadeonareducedscaleor60percentumofthesamefees,
ifmadeonanenlargedscale.
7.Forthepreparationofasimpleplanorsketchofanyavailable
surveyorplanonanypaperotherthanatracingcloth,thefee
onthebasisofeachlot,shallbeasfollows:
(a Forthefirsttencornersorfractionthereof
) ............

P20.00

(b Forthesecondtencornersorfractionthereof
) ..............

5.00

(c Forthethirdtencornersorfractionthereof
) ............

2.00

(d Foreachcornerinexcessofthefirstthirtycorners
) ..............

0.20

(e Ifthesketchispreparedintracingcloth,addtothetotal
) feesasabovecomputed...

5.00

(f
)

Iftheplanorsketchsopreparedcontainsthebearingand
distancesofthesidesandtielines,addtothetotalfeesas
abovecomputed10percentumthereof.

8.Forfurnishingaplancopy(blueprint,orwhiteprint)ofany
planonfileintheCommission,thefeeshallbeasfollows:

(a Forthecopyofanysizenotexceedingforty
) squaredecimeters.......

P3.00

(b Foronecopyofmorethanfortysquare
) decimetersbutnotexceedingeightysquare
decimetersinsize............

6.00

(c Foronecopyofmorethaneightysquare
) decimetersbutnotexceedingonehundred
twentysquaredecimeterinsize..

9.00

(d Foronecopyinexcessofonehundredtwenty
) squaredecimetersinsize,thebasisrateofnine
pesosplusforeverytwentysquaredecimeters
orfractionthereofinexcess
........

0.50

9.Forthepreparationoftechnicaldescriptions,otherthanmere
copyingfromanexistingcopy,thereshallbecollectedthe
followingfees:
(a Fortechnicaldescriptionsoflotsorparcels,typewrittenintriplicateand
) doublespaced,includingcertification:
1. Foreachlot...........

P3.00

2. Foreachcornerofalot...........

0.20

3. Foreachextracarboncopy,extracharge....

0.20

4. Minimumtotalcharge.............

3.00

(b Forlotdescriptionpreparedintracingcloth(ontabulatedform)
) includingcertification:
1. Foreachsheet.........

P1.50

2. Foreachlot..........

0.20

3. Foreachcornerinexcessoftenforalot....

0.10

(c Anycommoncornershallbecountedasmanyitemsastherearelotsto
) whichitpertains.

10.Forcertificationofplansorcopiesofplansastothe
correctnessofthesame,perplanorprintcopyP3.00andforthe

issuanceofallothercertificationP5.00plusone30centavo
documentarystamptobeaffixedthereto.
11.Forinspectionoflandsubjectofprivatesurveys,simpleor
complexsubdivisionplans,orconsolidation,
consolidationsubdivision,resubdivision,orreconsolidationplans,
specialworkorders,andotherplansofsimilarnatureforthe
purposeofverificationand/orapproval:
(a Foreachplanwithanaggregateareaof1,000sq.m.or
) less.........

P100.00

(b Foreachsubdivisionwithanaggregateareaofmorethan1,000sq.
) m.:
1. Forthefirst1,000s.m..............

P100.00

2. Foreverysucceeding1,000sq.m.orfractionthereof
...........

10.00

12.Foractualfieldworkofsubdivisionsurvey,relocationsurveyand
resurveyedofland,thefeesshallbeasfollows:
(a)Subdivisionsurvey:
1.Rural(Agricultural)
Area

SurveyFee

Forthefirsthectare
...........

P350.00

Forthe2ndha.to10th
ha.

Anadditional60.00per
ha.

Forthe11thha.to20th AnadditionalP30.00per
ha.
ha.
Forthe21stha.to30th AnadditionalP20.00per
ha.
ha.
Forthe31stha.to
200thha.

AnadditionalP10.00per
ha.

Forthe201stha.or
over

AnadditionalP8.00per
ha.


Afractionofahectareshallbeconsideredonehectare.
2.Urban(Solar):
First200sq.m.orless.........

P350.00

Succeeding201sq.m.ormore........... P20.00100sq.m.

(b)RelocationSurveyorResurveyed:
Thefeeforrelocationsurveyorresurveyedshallbeonehundredfiftyper
cent(150%)oftheamountofsurveyfeecollectibleonthebasisofthe
scheduleoffeesforsubdivisionsurveyasprovidedinthepreceding
paragraphplusonepercent(1%)oftheassessedvalueoftheland.
SpecialAccount.TwentypercentumofallthecollectionsoftheRegistersof
DeedsandoftheLandRegistrationCommissionunderthisSectionand
Sections118and116ofthisDecreeshallbeappropriatedandupon
approvalofabudgetforitbytheMinistryoftheBudget,suchamountsshall
bedisbursedandallofficesundertheLandRegistrationCommission,forthe
purchaseofnecessaryequipment,forpaymentofallowancesofofficialsand
employeesoftheCommission,includingthoseoftheRegistriesofDeeds,as
authorizedbytheCommissioner,forcontractsregardingsecurityprintingof
Landtitleforms,forsurveycontracts,andforthemaintenanceandother
operatingexpensesoftheCommission.
CHAPTERXII
FORMSUSEDINLANDREGISTRATIONANDCONVEYANCING
Section112.Formsinconveyancing.TheCommissionerofLand
Registrationshallprepareconvenientblankformsasmaybenecessaryto
helpfacilitatetheproceedingsinlandregistrationandshalltakechargeof
theprintingoflandtitleforms.
Deeds,conveyances,encumbrances,discharges,powersofattorneyand
othervoluntaryinstruments,whetheraffectingregisteredorunregistered
land,executedinaccordancewithlawintheformofpublicinstrumentsshall
beregisterable:Provided,that,everysuchinstrumentshallbesignedbythe
personorpersonsexecutingthesameinthepresenceofatleasttwo
witnesseswhoshalllikewisesignthereon,andshallacknowledgedtobethe
freeactanddeedofthepersonorpersonsexecutingthesamebeforea
notarypublicorotherpublicofficerauthorizedbylawtotake

acknowledgment.Wheretheinstrumentsoacknowledgedconsistsoftwoor
morepagesincludingthepagewhereonacknowledgmentiswritten,each
pageofthecopywhichistoberegisteredintheofficeoftheRegisterof
Deeds,orifregistrationisnotcontemplated,eachpageofthecopytobe
keptbythenotarypublic,exceptthepagewherethesignaturesalready
appearatthefootoftheinstrument,shallbesignedontheleftmargin
thereofbythepersonorpersonsexecutingtheinstrumentandtheir
witnesses,andalltheagessealedwiththenotarialseal,andthisfactaswell
asthenumberofpagesshallbestatedintheacknowledgment.Wherethe
instrumentacknowledgedrelatestoasale,transfer,mortgageor
encumbranceoftwoormoreparcelsofland,thenumberthereofshall
likewisebesetforthinsaidacknowledgment.
CHAPTERXIII
DEALINGSWITHUNREGISTEREDLANDS
Section113.Recordingofinstrumentsrelatingtounregisteredlands.No
deed,conveyance,mortgage,lease,orothervoluntaryinstrumentaffecting
landnotregisteredundertheTorrenssystemshallbevalid,exceptas
betweenthepartiesthereto,unlesssuchinstrumentshallhavebeen
recordedinthemannerhereinprescribedintheofficeoftheRegisterof
Deedsfortheprovinceorcitywherethelandlies.
(a)TheRegisterofDeedsforeachprovinceorcityshallkeepa
PrimaryEntryBookandaRegistrationBook.ThePrimaryEntryBook
shallcontain,amongotherparticulars,theentrynumber,thenames
oftheparties,thenatureofthedocument,thedate,hourandminute
itwaspresentedandreceived.Therecordingofthedeedandother
instrumentsrelatingtounregisteredlandsshallbeeffectedbyanyof
annotationonthespaceprovidedthereforintheRegistrationBook,
afterthesameshallhavebeenenteredinthePrimaryEntryBook.
(b)If,onthefaceoftheinstrument,itappearsthatitissufficientin
law,theRegisterofDeedsshallforthwithrecordtheinstrumentinthe
mannerprovidedherein.IncasetheRegisterofDeedsrefusesits
administrationtorecord,saidofficialshalladvisethepartyininterest
inwritingofthegroundorgroundsforhisrefusal,andthelattermay
appealthemattertotheCommissionerofLandRegistrationin
accordancewiththeprovisionsofSection117ofthisDecree.Itshall
beunderstoodthatanyrecordingmadeunderthissectionshallbe
withoutprejudicetoathirdpartywithabetterright.
(c)AfterrecordingontheRecordBook,theRegisterofDeedsshall
endorseamongotherthings,upontheoriginaloftherecorded
instruments,thefilenumberandthedateaswellasthehourand

minutewhenthedocumentwasreceivedforrecordingasshowninthe
PrimaryEntryBook,returningtotheregistrantorpersonininterest
theduplicateoftheinstrument,withappropriateannotation,certifying
thathehasrecordedtheinstrumentafterreservingonecopythereof
tobefurnishedtheprovincialorcityassessorasrequiredbyexisting
law.
(d)Taxsale,attachmentandlevy,noticeoflispendens,adverseclaim
andotherinstrumentsinthenatureofinvoluntarydealingswith
respecttounregisteredlands,ifmadeintheformsufficientinlaw,
shalllikewisebeadmissibletorecordunderthissection.
(e)FortheservicestoberenderedbytheRegisterofDeedsunderthis
section,heshallcollectthesameamountoffeesprescribedforsimilar
servicesfortheregistrationofdeedsorinstrumentsconcerning
registeredlands.
CHAPTERXIV
REGISTRATIONOFCHATTELMORTGAGES
Section114.Recordingofchattelmortgages.Achattelmortgageshallbe
recordedintheofficeoftheRegisterofDeedsoftheprovinceorcitywhere
themortgagorresidesaswellaswherethepropertyissituatedorordinarily
kept.
Section115.Mannerofrecordingchattelmortgages.EveryRegisterof
DeedsshallkeepaPrimaryEntryBookandaRegistrationBookforchattel
mortgagesshallcertifyoneachmortgagefiledforrecord,aswellasonits
duplicate,thedate,hour,andminutewhenthesamewasbyhimreceived
andshallrecordinsuchbooksanychattelmortgage,assignmentor
dischargethereof,andanyotherinstrumentrelatingtoarecorded
mortgage,andallsuchinstrumentsshallbepresentedtohiminduplicate,
theoriginaltobefiledandtheduplicatetobereturnedtotheperson
concerned.
Therecordingofamortgageshallbeeffectedbymakinganentry,which
shallbegivenacorrelativenumber,settingforththenamesofthe
mortgageeandthemortgagor,thesumorobligationguaranteed,dateof
theinstrument,nameofthenotarybeforewhomitwassworntoor
acknowledged,andanotethatthepropertymortgaged,aswellastheterms
andconditionsofthemortgage,ismentionedindetailintheinstrument
filed,givingtheproperfilenumberthereof.Therecordingofother
instrumentsrelatingtoarecordedmortgageshallbeeffectedbywayof

annotationonthespaceprovidedthereforintheRegistrationBook,afterthe
sameshallhavebeenenteredintheprimaryEntryBook.
TheRegisterofDeedsshallalsocertifytheofficer'sreturnofsaleuponany
mortgage,makingreferenceupontherecordofsuchofficer'sreturntothe
volumeandpageoftherecordofthemortgage,andareferenceofsuch
returnontherecordofthemortgageitself,andgiveacertifiedcopythereof,
whenrequested,uponpaymentofthelegalfeesforsuchcopythereof,when
requested,uponpaymentofthelegalfeesforsuchcopyandcertifyupon
eachmortgageofficer'sreturnofsaleordischargeofmortgage,andupon
anyotherinstrumentrelatingtosucharecordedmortgage,bothonthe
originalandintheduplicate,thedate,hour,andminutewhenthesameis
receivedforrecordandrecordsuchcertificateindexofmortgagorsand
mortgagees,whichrecordandindexshallbeopentopublicinspection.
Dulycertifiedcopiesofsuchrecordsandoffiledinstrumentsshallbe
receivableasevidenceinanycourt.
Section116.Feesforchattelmortgages,etc.TheregisterofDeedsshall
collectthefollowingfeesforservicesrenderedbyhimunderthissection:
1.Entryfee.ForentryorpresentationofanydocumentinthePrimary
EntryBook,fivepesos.Supportingpaperspresentedtogetherwiththe
principaldocumentneednotbechargedanyentryorpresentationfee
unlessthepartyininterestdesiresthattheybelikewiseentered.
2.ChattelMortgage.Forfilingandrecordingeachchattelmortgage,
includingthenecessarycertificatesandaffidavits,thefeesestablished
inthefollowingscheduleshallbecollected:
(a)Sixthousandpesosmaximum.Whentheamountofthe
mortgagedoesnotexceedsixthousandpesos,sevenpesosfor
thefirstfivehundredpesos,orfractionalpartthereof,andthree
pesosforeachadditionalfivehundredpesos,orfractionalpart
thereof.
(b)Thirtythousandpesosmaximum.Whentheamountofthe
mortgageismorethansixthousandpesosbutdoesnotexceed
thirtythousandpesos,fortyeightpesosfortheinitialamount
notexceedingeightthousandpesos,andeightpesosforeach
additionaltwothousandpesosorfractionalpartthereof.
(c)Onehundredthousandpesosmaximum.Whentheamountof
themortgageismorethanthirtythousandpesosbutdoesnot
exceedonehundredthousandpesos,onehundredfiftypesosfor

theinitialamountnotexceedingthirtyfivethousandpesos,and
fourteenpesosforeachadditionalfivethousandpesosof
fractionalpartthereof.
(d)Fivehundredthousandpesosmaximum.Whentheamount
ofthemortgageismorethanonehundredthousandpesosbut
doesnotexceedfivehundredthousandpesos,threehundred
fiftytwopesosfortheinitialamountnotexceedingonehundred
tenthousandpesosandtwentypesosforeachadditionalten
thousandpesosorfractionalpartthereof.
(e)Morethanfivehundredthousandpesos.Whentheamountof
themortgageismorethanfivehundredthousandpesos,one
thousandonehundredsixtytwopesosfortheinitialamountnot
exceedingfivehundredtwentythousandpesos,andthirtypesos
foreachadditionaltwentythousandpesosorfractionalpart
thereof:Provided,however,thatregistrationofthemortgagein
theprovincewherethepropertyissituatedshallbesufficient
registrationandprovided,further,thatifthemortgageistobe
registeredinmorethanonecityorprovince,theRegisterof
Deedsofthecityorprovincewheretheinstrumentisfirst
presentedforregistrationshallcollectthefullamountofthefees
dueinaccordancewiththescheduleprescribedabove,andthe
RegisterofDeedsoftheothercityofprovincewherethesame
instrumentisalsotoberegisteredshallcollectonlyasum
equivalenttotwentypercentumoftheamountoffeesdueand
paidinthefirstcityofprovince,butinnocaseshallthefees
payableinanyRegistrybelessthantheminimumfixedinthis
schedule.
3.Conveyanceofmortgagedproperty,etc.Forrecordingeach
instrumentofsale,conveyance,ortransferofthepropertywhichis
subjectofarecordedmortgage,oroftheassignmentofmortgage
credit,thefeesestablishedintheprecedingscheduleshallbecollected
onthebasesoftenpercentumoftheamountofthemortgageor
unpaidbalancethereof,provided,thatthelatterisstatedinthe
instrument.
4.Noticeofattachment.Forrecordingeachnoticeofattachment,
includingthenecessaryindexandannotations,eightpesos.
5.Releaseofmortgage.Forrecordingsuchreleaseofmortgage,
includingthenecessaryindexandreferences,thefeesestablishedin

thescheduleunderparagraph(b)aboveshallbecollectedonthebasis
offivepercentumoftheamountofthemortgage.
6.Releaseofattachment.Forrecordingeachreleaseofattachment,
includingtheproperannotations,fivepesos.
7.Sheriff'sreturnofsale.Forrecordingeachsheriff'sreturnofsale,
includingtheindexandreferences,sevenpesos.
8.Powerofattorney,appointmentofguardian,administratoror
trustee.Forrecordingapowerofattorney,appointmentofjudicial
guardian,administrator,ortrustee,oranyotherinstrumentinwhicha
personisgivenpowertoactinbehalfofanotherinconnectionwitha
mortgage,tenpesos.
9.Nospecificfee.Forrecordingeachinstrumentororderrelatingtoa
recordedmortgage,includingthenecessaryindexandreferences,for
whichnospecificfeeisprovidedabove,fivepesos.
10.Certifiedcopy.Forcertifiedcopiesofrecords,suchfeesasare
allowedbylawforcopieskeptbytheRegisterofDeeds.
11.Certification.Forissuingacertificaterelativeto,orshowingthe
existenceornonexistenceofanentryintheregistrationbook,ora
documentonfile,foreachsuchcertificatecontainingnotmorethan
twohundredwords,fivepesosifitexceedsthatnumber,an
additionalfeeofonepesoshallbecollectedforeveryonehundred
wordsorfractionalpartthereof,inexcessofthefirsttwohundred
words.
12.ResearchFee.Forservicesrenderedinattendingtorequestsfor
referencesto,orresearchesonanydocumentonfileintheRegistry,
thereshallbecollectedafeeoftwopesosperdocument.
CHAPTERXV
CONSULTAS
Section117.Procedure.WhentheRegisterofDeedsisindoubtwithregard
tothepropersteptobetakenormemorandumtobemadeinpursuanceof
anydeed,mortgageorotherinstrumentpresentedtohimforregistration,or
whereanypartyininterestdoesnotagreewiththeactiontakenbythe
RegisterofDeedswithreferencetoanysuchinstrument,thequestionshall
besubmittedtotheCommissionerofLandRegistrationbytheRegisterof
Deeds,orbythepartyininterestthrutheRegisterofDeeds.

Wheretheinstrumentisdeniedregistration,theRegisterofDeedsshall
notifytheinterestedpartyinwriting,settingforththedefectsofthe
instrumentorlegalgroundsreliedupon,andadvisinghimthatifheisnot
agreeabletosuchruling,hemay,withoutwithdrawingthedocumentsfrom
theRegistry,elevatethematterbyconsultawithinfivedaysfromreceiptof
noticeofthedenialofregistrationtotheCommissionerofLandRegistration.
TheRegisterofDeedsshallmakeamemorandumofthependingconsultaon
thecertificateoftitlewhichshallbecanceledmotupropriobytheRegisterof
Deedsafterfinalresolutionordecisionthereof,orbeforeresolution,if
withdrawnbypetitioner.
TheCommissionerofLandRegistration,consideringtheconsultaandthe
recordscertifiedtohimafternoticetothepartiesandhearing,shallenteran
orderprescribingthesteptobetakenormemorandumtobemade.His
resolutionorrulinginconsultasshallbeconclusiveandbindinguponall
RegistersofDeeds,provided,thatthepartyininterestwhodisagreeswith
thefinalresolution,rulingororderoftheCommissionerrelativetoconsultas
mayappealtotheCourtofAppealswithintheperiodandinmanner
providedinRepublicActNo.5434.
CHAPTERXVI
FINALPROVISIONS
Section118.Appropriation.Thereisherebyappropriatedinitiallythesum
ofTWELVEMILLIONTHREEHUNDREDFORTYTHOUSANDPESOS
(P12,340,000.00)fromtheNationalTreasurynototherwiseappropriatedfor
theimplementationofthisdecreethereafter,saidsumshallbeaddedto
theregularappropriationactofeveryyear.
Section119.Postageexemption.Nopostagestampsormailingcharges
shallberequiredinallmatterstransmittedbytheLandRegistration
CommissionoranyofitsRegistryofDeedsintheimplementationof
Sections21,40,106,118and117ofthisDecree.
Section120.Repealingclause.Alllaws,decrees,orders,rulesand
regulations,orpartsthereof,inconflictorinconsistentwithanyofthe
provisionsofthisDecreeareherebyrepealedormodifiedaccordingly.
Section121.Separabilityclause.Intheeventthatanyprovisionofthis
Decreeisdeclaredunconstitutional,thevalidityoftheremaindershallnotbe
affectedthereby.
Section122.Effectivity.ThisDecreeshalltakeeffectuponitsapproval.

DoneintheCityofManila,this11thdayofJune,intheyearofOurLord,
nineteenhundredandseventyeight.

PRESIDENTIALDECREENo.705May19,1975
REVISINGPRESIDENTIALDECREENO.389,OTHERWISEKNOWNAS
THEFORESTRYREFORMCODEOFTHEPHILIPPINES
WHEREAS,properclassification,managementandutilizationofthelandsof
thepublicdomaintomaximizetheirproductivitytomeetthedemandsofour
increasingpopulationisurgentlyneeded
WHEREAS,toachievetheabovepurpose,itisnecessarytoreassessthe
multipleusesofforestlandsandresourcesbeforeallowinganyutilization
thereoftooptimizethebenefitsthatcanbederivedtherefrom
WHEREAS,itisalsoimperativetoplaceemphasisnotonlyontheutilization
thereofbutmoresoontheprotection,rehabilitationanddevelopmentof
forestlands,inordertoensurethecontinuityoftheirproductivecondition
WHEREAS,thepresentlawsandregulationsgoverningforestlandsarenot
responsiveenoughtosupportreorientedgovernmentprograms,projects
andeffortsontheproperclassificationanddelimitationofthelandsofthe
publicdomain,andthemanagement,utilization,protection,rehabilitation,
anddevelopmentofforestlands
NOW,THEREFORE,I,FERDINANDE.MARCOS,PresidentofthePhilippines,
byvirtueofthepowersinmevestedbytheConstitution,doherebyrevise
PresidentialDecreeNo.389toreadasfollows:
Section1.TitleofthisCode.Thisdecreeshallbeknownasthe"Revised
ForestryCodeofthePhilippines."
Section2.Policies.TheStateherebyadoptsthefollowingpolicies:
(a)Themultipleusesofforestlandsshallbeorientedtothe
developmentandprogressrequirementsofthecountry,the
advancementofscienceandtechnology,andthepublicwelfare
(b)Landclassificationandsurveyshallbesystematizedandhastened

(c)Theestablishmentofwoodprocessingplantsshallbeencouraged
andrationalizedand
(d)Theprotection,developmentandrehabilitationofforestlandsshall
beemphasizedsoastoensuretheircontinuityinproductivecondition.
Section3.Definitions.
(a)Publicforestisthemassoflandsofthepublicdomainwhichhas
notbeenthesubjectofthepresentsystemofclassificationforthe
determinationofwhichlandsareneededforforestpurposesandwhich
arenot.
(b)Permanentforestorforestreservesrefertothoselandsofthe
publicdomainwhichhavebeenthesubjectofthepresentsystemof
classificationanddeterminedtobeneededforforestpurposes.
(c)Alienableanddisposablelandsrefertothoselandsofthepublic
domainwhichhavebeenthesubjectofthepresentsystemof
classificationanddeclaredasnotneededforforestpurposes.
(d)Forestlandsincludethepublicforest,thepermanentforestor
forestreserves,andforestreservations.
(e)Grazinglandreferstothatportionofthepublicdomainwhichhas
beensetaside,inviewofthesuitabilityofitstopographyand
vegetation,fortheraisingoflivestock.
(f)Minerallandsrefertothoselandsofthepublicdomainwhichhave
beenclassifiedassuchbytheSecretaryofNaturalResourcesin
accordancewithprescribedandapprovedcriteria,guidelinesand
procedure.
(g)Forestreservationsrefertoforestlandswhichhavebeenreserved
bythePresidentofthePhilippinesforanyspecificpurposeor
purposes.
(h)Nationalparkreferstoaforestlandreservationessentiallyof
primitiveorwildernesscharacterwhichhasbeenwithdrawnfrom
settlementoroccupancyandsetasideassuchexclusivelytopreserve
thescenery,thenaturalandhistoricobjectsandthewildanimalsor
plantstherein,andtoprovideenjoymentofthesefeaturesinsucha
manneraswillleavethemunimpairedforfuturegenerations.

(i)Gamerefugeorbirdsanctuaryreferstoaforestlanddesignatedfor
theprotectionofgameanimals,birdsandfishandclosedtohunting
andfishinginorderthattheexcesspopulationmayflowandrestock
surroundingareas.
(j)Marineparksreferstoanyoffshoreareainhabitedbyrareand
uniquespeciesofmarinefloraandfauna.
(k)Seashoreparkreferstoanypublicshoreareadelimitedforoutdoor
recreation,sportsfishing,waterskiingandrelatedhealthfulactivities.
(l)Watershedreservationisaforestlandreservationestablishedto
protectorimprovetheconditionsofthewateryieldthereoforreduce
sedimentation.
(m)Watershedisalandareadrainedbyastreamorfixedbodyof
wateranditstributarieshavingacommonoutletforsurfacerunoff.
(n)Criticalwatershedisadrainageareaofariversystemsupporting
existingandproposedhydroelectricpowerandirrigationworks
needingimmediaterehabilitationasitisbeingsubjectedtoafast
denudationcausingacceleratederosionanddestructivefloods.Itis
closedfromlogginguntilitisfullyrehabilitated.
(o)Mangroveisatermappliedtothetypeofforestoccurringontidal
flatalongtheseacoast,extendingalongstreamswherethewateris
brackish.
(p)Kainginisaportionoftheforestland,whetheroccupiedornot,
whichissubjectedtoshiftingand/orpermanentslashandburn
cultivationhavinglittleornoprovisiontopreventsoilerosion.
(q)Forestproductmeanstimber,pulpwood,firewood,bark,treetop,
resin,gum,wood,oil,honey,beeswax,nipa,rattan,orotherforest
growthsuchasgrass,shrub,andfloweringplant,theassociated
water,fish,game,scenic,historical,recreationalandgeologic
resourcesinforestlands.
(r)Dipterocarpforestisaforestdominatedbytreesofthedipterocarp
species,suchasredlauan,tengile,tiaong,whitelauan,almon,
bagtikanandmayapisofthePhilippinemahoganygroup,apitongand
theyakals.

(s)PineforestisaforestcomposedoftheBenguetPineinthe
MountainProvincesortheMindoropineinMindoroandZambales
provinces.
(t)Industrialtreeplantationisanytractofforestlandpurposelyand
extensivelyplantedtotimbercropsprimarilytosupplytheraw
materialrequirementsofexistingorproposedprocessingplantsand
relatedindustries.
(u)Treefarmreferstoanytractofforestlandpurposelyand
extensivelyplantedtotreesofeconomicvaluefortheirfruits,flowers,
leaves,barks,orextractives,butnotforthewoodthereof.
(v)Multipleuseistheharmonizedutilizationofthenumerous
beneficialusesoftheland,soil,water,wildlife,recreationvalue,grass
andtimberofforestlands.
(w)Selectiveloggingmeansthesystematicremovalofthemature,
overmatureanddefectivetreesinsuchmannerastoleaveadequate
numberandvolumeofhealthyresidualtreesofthedesiredspecies
necessarytoassureafuturecropoftimber,andforestcoverforthe
protectionandconservationofsoilandwater.
(x)Seedtreesystemispartialclearcuttingwithseedtreesleftto
regeneratethearea.
(y)Healthyresidualisasoundorslightlyinjuredtreeofthe
commercialspeciesleftafterlogging.
(z)Sustainedyieldmanagementimpliescontinuousorperiodic
productionofforestproductsinaworkingunitwiththeaidof
achievingattheearliestpracticabletimeanapproximatebalance
betweengrowthandharvestoruse.Thisisgenerallyappliedtothe
commercialtimberresourcesandisalsoapplicabletothewater,grass,
wildlife,andotherrenewableresourcesoftheforest.
(aa)Processingplantisanymechanicalsetup,machineor
combinationofmachineusedfortheprocessingoflogsandother
forestrawmaterialsintolumber,veneer,plywood,wallboard,
blockboard,paperboard,pulp,paperorotherfinishedwoodproducts.
(bb)LeaseisaprivilegegrantedbytheStatetoapersontooccupy
andpossess,inconsiderationofaspecifiedrental,anyforestlandof

thepublicdomaininordertoundertakeanyauthorizedactivity
therein.
(cc)LicenseisaprivilegegrantedbytheStatetoapersontoutilize
forestresourcesasinanyforestland,withoutanyrightofoccupation
andpossessionoverthesame,totheexclusionofothers,orestablish
andoperateawoodprocessingplant,orconductanyactivityinvolving
theutilizationofanyforestresources.
(dd)LicenseagreementisaprivilegegrantedbytheStatetoaperson
toutilizeforestresourceswithinanyforestlandwiththerightof
possessionandoccupationthereoftotheexclusionofothers,except
thegovernment,butwiththecorrespondingobligationtodevelop,
protectandrehabilitatethesameinaccordancewiththetermsand
conditionssetforthinsaidagreement.
(ee)PermitisashorttermprivilegeorauthoritygrantedbytheState
toapersontoutilizeanylimitedforestresourcesorundertakea
limitedactivitywithanyforestlandwithoutanyrightofoccupation
andpossessiontherein.
(ff)Annualallowablecutisthevolumeofmaterials,whetherofwood
orotherforestproducts,thatisauthorizedtobecutregularlyfromthe
forest.
(gg)Cuttingcycleisthenumberofyearsbetweenmajorharvestsin
thesameworkingunitand/orregion,withinarotation.
(hh)Ecosystemmeanstheecologicalcommunityconsideredtogether
withnonlivingfactorsanditsenvironmentasaunit.
(ii)Silvicultureistheestablishment,developmentreproductionand
careofforesttrees.
(jj)Rationalizationistheorganizationofabusinessorindustryusing
scientificbusinessmanagementprinciplesandsimplifiedproceduresto
obtaingreaterefficiencyofoperation.
(kk)ForestofficermeansanyofficialoremployeeoftheBureauwho,
bythenatureofhisappointmentorthefunctionofthepositionto
whichheisappointed,isdelegatedbylaworbycompetentauthority
toexecute,implementorenforcetheprovisionsofthisCode,other
relatedlaws,aswellastheirimplementingregulations.

(ll)Primitivetribeisagroupofendemictribelivingprimitivelyasa
distinctportionofapeoplefromacommonancestor.
(mm)Privaterightmeansorreferstotitledrightsofownershipunder
existinglaws,andinthecaseofprimitivetribes,torightsof
possessionexistingatthetimealicenseisgrantedunderthisCode,
whichpossessionmayincludeplacesofabodeandworship,burial
grounds,andoldclearings,butexcludesproductionforestinclusiveof
loggedoverareas,commercialforestsandestablishedplantationsof
foresttreesandtreesofeconomicvalue.
(nn)Personincludesnaturalaswellasjuridicalperson.
CHAPTERI
ORGANIZATIONANDJURISDICTIONOFTHEBUREAU
Section4.Creationof,andmergerofallforestryagenciesinto,theBureau
ofForestDevelopment.Forthepurposeofimplementingtheprovisionsof
thisCode,theBureauofForestry,theReforestationAdministration,the
SouthernCebuReforestationDevelopmentProject,andtheParksand
WildlifeOffice,includingapplicableappropriations,records,equipment,
propertyandsuchpersonnelasmaybenecessary,areherebymergedintoa
singleagencytobeknownastheBureauofForestDevelopment,hereinafter
referredtoastheBureau.
Section5.JurisdictionofBureau.TheBureaushallhavejurisdictionand
authorityoverallforestland,grazinglands,andallforestreservations
includingwatershedreservationspresentlyadministeredbyother
governmentagenciesorinstrumentalities.
Itshallberesponsiblefortheprotection,development,management,
regeneration,andreforestationofforestlandstheregulationand
supervisionoftheoperationoflicensees,lesseesandpermitteesforthe
takingoruseofforestproductstherefromortheoccupancyorusethereof
theimplementationofmultipleuseandsustainedyieldmanagementin
forestlandstheprotection,developmentandpreservationofnationalparks,
marineparks,gamerefugesandwildlifetheimplementationofmeasures
andprogramstopreventkainginandmanagedoccupancyofforestand
grazinglandsincollaborationwithotherbureaus,theeffective,efficientand
economicclassificationoflandsofthepublicdomainandtheenforcement
offorestry,reforestation,parks,gameandwildlifelaws,rules,and
regulations.

TheBureaushallregulatetheestablishmentandoperationofsawmills,
veneerandplywoodmillsandotherwoodprocessingplantsandconduct
studiesofdomesticandworldmarketsofforestproducts.
Section6.DirectorandAssistantDirectorandtheirqualifications.The
BureaushallbeheadedbyaDirector,whoshallbeassistedbyoneormore
AssistantDirectors.TheDirectorandAssistantDirectorsshallbeappointed
bythePresident.
NopersonshallbeappointedDirectororAssistantDirectoroftheBureau
unlessheisanaturalborncitizenofthePhilippines,atleast30yearsofage,
aholderofatleastaBachelor'sDegreeinForestryoritsequivalent,anda
registeredforester.
Section7.SupervisionandControl.TheBureaushallbedirectlyunderthe
controlandsupervisionoftheSecretaryoftheDepartmentofNatural
Resources,hereinafterreferredtoastheDepartmentHead.
Section8.Review.AllactionsanddecisionsoftheDirectoraresubjectto
review,motupropiooruponappealofanypersonaggrievedthereby,bythe
DepartmentHeadwhosedecisionshallbefinalandexecutoryafterthelapse
ofthirty(30)daysfromreceiptbytheaggrievedpartyofsaiddecision,
unlessappealedtothePresidentinaccordancewiththeExecutiveOrderNo.
19,seriesof1966.TheDecisionoftheDepartmentHeadmaynotbe
reviewedbythecourtsexceptthroughaspecialcivilactionforcertiorarior
prohibition.
Section9.RulesandRegulations.TheDepartmentHead,uponthe
recommendationoftheDirectorofForestDevelopment,shallpromulgatethe
rulesandregulationsnecessarytoimplementeffectivelytheprovisionsof
thisCode.
Section10.CreationofFunctionalDivisions,andRegionalandDistrict
Offices.Allpositionsinthemergedagenciesareconsideredvacant.Present
occupantsmaybeappointedinaccordancewithastaffingpatternorplanof
organizationtobepreparedbytheDirectorandapprovedbythe
DepartmentHead.Anyappointeewhofailstoreportfordutyinaccordance
withtheapprovedplanwithinthirty(30)daysuponreceiptofnotification
shallbedeemedtohavedeclinedtheappointment,inwhichcasethe
positionmaybefiledbyanyotherqualifiedapplicant.
FortheefficientandeffectiveimplementationoftheprogramoftheBureau,
thefollowingdivisionsandsectionsareherebycreated,towit:

Divisions

Sections

PlanningandEvaluation

ProgramPlanning
PerformanceEvaluation
ForestEconomics
ManagementAnalysis
Data&Information.

AdministrativeDivision

Personnel
Budget
Accounting
Information
GeneralServices.

LegalDivision
Reforestationand
AfforestationDivision

CooperativePlanting
PlantingStockProduction
PlantationManagement.

TimberManagementDivision ForestSurveys,Data&
Mapping
Sulviculture
TimberInventory&
PhotoInterpretation
TimberManagementPlans
LandClassification.
UtilizationDivision

TimberOperations
LandUses
Utilization.

ForestProtectionand
Infrastructure

ForestProtection
ForestOccupancy
Management
WatershedManagement
Infrastructure.

Parks,WildlifeDivision

ParksManagement
RecreationManagement
WildlifeManagement
RangeManagement.

SecurityandIntelligenceDivision
ForestDevelopmentTraining TechnicalTraining
Center
NonTechnicalTraining.

TheDepartmentHeadmay,uponrecommendationoftheDirector,
reorganizeorcreatesuchotherdivisions,sectionsofunitsasmaybe
deemednecessaryandtoappointthepersonnelthere:Provided,Thatan
employeeappointedordesignatedasofficerinchargeofanewlycreated
division,sectionorunit,ortoanexistingvacantpositionwithahigher
salary,shallreceive,fromthedateofsuchappointmentordesignationuntil
heisreplacedorrevertedtohisoriginalposition,thesalarycorrespondingto
thepositiontemporarilyheldbyhim.
Thereshallbecreatedatleastelevenregionaloffices.Ineachregion,there
shallbeasmanyforestdistrictsasmaybenecessary,inaccordancewith
theextentofforestarea,establishedworkloads,needforforestprotection,
firepreventionandotherfactors,theprovisionsofanylawtothecontrary
notwithstanding:Provided,Thattheboundariesofsuchdistrictsshallfollow,
wheneverpossible,naturalboundariesofwatershedsundertheriverbasin
conceptofmanagement.
Section11.ManpowerDevelopment.TheBureaushallestablishand
operateaninservicetrainingcenterforthepurposeofupgradingand
trainingitspersonnelandnewemployees.
TheBureaushallalsosetasideadequatefundstoenablepersonneltoobtain
specialeducationandtraininginlocalorforeigncollegesorinstitutions.
Section12.PerformanceEvaluation.TheBureaushalldeviseasystem,to
beapprovedbytheDepartmentHead,toevaluatetheperformanceofits
employees.Thesystemshallmeasureaccomplishmentinquantityand
qualityofperformanceasrelatedtothefundedprogramofworkassignedto
eachorganizationalunit.Thereshallbeincludedasystemofperiodic
inspectionofdistrictofficesbytheregionalofficesandtheregionaland
districtofficesbytheCentralOfficeinbothfunctionalfieldsandinthe
overallassessmentofhoweachadministrativeunithasimplementedthe
laws,regulations,policies,programs,andpracticesrelevanttosuchunit.
Theevaluationsystemshallprovidetheinformationnecessaryforannual
progressreportsanddeterminationofemployeetrainingcivilserviceawards
andtransferordisciplinaryaction.
CHAPTERII
CLASSIFICATIONANDSURVEY
Section13.SystemofLandClassification.TheDepartmentHeadshall
study,devise,determineandprescribethecriteria,guidelinesandmethods
fortheproperandaccurateclassificationandsurveyofalllandsofthepublic
domainintoagricultural,industrialorcommercial,residential,resettlement,

mineral,timberorforest,andgrazinglands,andintosuchotherclassesas
nowormayhereafterbeprovidedbylaw,rulesandregulations.
Inthemeantime,theDepartmentHeadshallsimplifythroughinterbureau
actionthepresentsystemofdeterminingwhichoftheunclassifiedlandsof
thepublicdomainareneededforforestpurposesanddeclarethemas
permanentforesttoformpartoftheforestreserves.Heshalldecreethose
classifiedanddeterminednottobeneededforforestpurposesasalienable
anddisposablelands,theadministrativejurisdictionandmanagementof
whichshallbetransferredtotheBureauofLands:Provided,Thatmangrove
andotherswampsnotneededforshoreprotectionandsuitableforfishpond
purposesshallbereleasedto,andbeplacedundertheadministrative
jurisdictionandmanagementof,theBureauofFisheriesandAquatic
Resources.ThosestilltobeclassifiedunderthePresentsystemshall
continuetoremainaspartofthepublicforest.
Section14.ExistingPastureLeasesandPermitsinForestLands.Forest
landswhichhavebeenthesubjectofpastureleasesandpermitsshall
remainclassifiedasforestlandsuntilclassifiedasgrazinglandsunderthe
criteria,guidelinesandmethodsofclassificationtobeprescribedbythe
DepartmentHead:Provided,Thattheadministration,managementand
dispositionofgrazinglandsshallremainundertheBureau.
Section15.Topography.Nolandofthepublicdomaineighteenpercent
(18%)inslopeorovershallbeclassifiedasalienableanddisposable,nor
anyforestlandfiftypercent(50%)inslopeorover,asgrazingland.
Landseighteenpercent(18%)inslopeoroverwhichhavealreadybeen
declaredasalienableanddisposableshallberevertedtotheclassificationof
forestlandsbytheDepartmentHead,toformpartoftheforestreserves,
unlesstheyarealreadycoveredbyexistingtitlesorapprovedpublicland
application,oractuallyoccupiedopenly,continuously,adverselyandpublicly
foraperiodofnotlessthanthirty(30)yearsasoftheeffectivityofthis
Code,wheretheoccupantisqualifiedforafreepatentunderthePublicLand
Act:Provided,Thatsaidlands,whicharenotyetpartofawellestablished
communities,shallbekeptinavegetativeconditionsufficienttoprevent
erosionandadverseeffectsonthelowlandsandstreams:Provided,further,
Thatwhenpublicinterestsorequires,stepsshallbetakentoexpropriate,
canceldefectivetitles,rejectpubliclandapplication,orejectoccupants
thereof.
Section16.Areasneededforforestpurposes.Thefollowinglands,evenif
theyarebeloweighteenpercent(18%)inslope,areneededforforest

purposes,andmaynot,therefore,beclassifiedasalienableanddisposable
land,towit:
1.Areaslessthan250hectareswhicharefarfrom,orarenot
contiguouswith,anycertifiedalienableanddisposableland
2.Isolatedpatchesofforestofatleastfive(5)hectareswithrocky
terrain,orwhichprotectaspringforcommunaluse
3.Areaswhichhavealreadybeenreforested
4.Areaswithinforestconcessionswhicharetimberedorhavegood
residualstockingtosupportanexisting,orapprovedtobeestablished,
woodprocessingplant
5.Ridgetopsandplateausregardlessofsizefoundwithin,or
surroundedwhollyorpartlyby,forestlandswhereheadwaters
emanate
6.Appropriatelylocatedroadrightsorway
7.Twentymeterstripsoflandalongtheedgeofthenormalhigh
waterlineofriversandstreamswithchannelsofatleastfive(5)
meterswide
8.Stripsofmangroveorswamplandsatleasttwenty(20)meters
wide,alongshorelinesfacingoceans,lakes,andotherbodiesofwater,
andstripsoflandatleasttwenty(20)meterswidefacinglakes
9.Areasneededforotherpurposes,suchasnationalparks,national
historicalsites,gamerefugesandwildlifesanctuaries,foreststation
sites,andothersofpublicinterestand
10.AreaspreviouslyproclaimedbythePresidentasforestreserves,
nationalparks,gamerefuge,birdsanctuaries,nationalshrines,
nationalhistoricsites:
Provided,Thatincaseanareafallingunderanyoftheforegoingcategories
shallhavebeentitledinfavorofanyperson,stepsshallbetaken,ifpublic
interestsorequires,tohavesaidtitlecancelledoramended,orthetitled
areaexpropriated.
Section17.Establishmentofboundariesofforestlands.Allboundaries
betweenpermanentforestsandalienableanddisposablelandsshallbe
clearlymarkedandmaintainedontheground,withinfrastructureorroads,

orconcretemonumentsatintervalsofnotmorethanfivehundred(500)
metersinaccordancewithestablishedproceduresandstandards,orany
othervisibleandpracticablesignstoinsureprotectionoftheforest.
Section18.Reservationsinforestlandsandoffshoreareas.ThePresident
ofthePhilippinesmayestablishwithinanylandsofthepublicdomain,forest
reserveandforestreservationforthenationalparksystem,forpreservation
ascriticalwatersheds,orforanyotherpurpose,andmodifyboundariesof
existingones.TheDepartmentHeadmayreserveandestablishanyportion
ofthepublicforestorforestreserveassiteorexperimentalforestforuseof
theForestResearchInstitute.
Whenpublicinterestsorequires,anyoffshoreareaneededforthe
preservationandprotectionofitseducational,scientific,historical,ecological
andrecreationalvaluesincludingthemarinelifefoundtherein,shallbe
establishedasmarineparks.
CHAPTERIII
UTILIZATIONANDMANAGEMENT
Section19.Multipleuse.Thenumerousbeneficialusesofthetimber,land,
soil,water,wildlife,recreationvalueandgrassofforestlandsshallbe
evaluatedandweightedbeforeallowingtheutilization,exploitation,
occupationorpossessionthereof,ortheconductofanyactivitytherein.
Onlytheutilization,exploitation,occupationorpossessionofanyforestland,
oranyactivitytherein,involvingoneormoreoritsresources,whichwill
producetheoptimumbenefitstothedevelopmentandprogressofthe
countryandthepublicwelfare,withoutimpairmentorwiththeleastinjury
toitsotherresources,shallbeallowed.
Allforestreservationsmaybeopentousesnotinconsistentwiththe
principalobjectivesofthereservation:Provided,Thatcriticalwatersheds
andnationalparksshallnotbesubjecttologgingoperations.
Section20.Licenseagreement,license,leaseorpermit.Nopersonmay
utilize,exploit,occupy,possessorconductanyactivitywithinanyforest
land,orestablishandoperateanywoodprocessingplant,unlesshehas
beenauthorizedtodosounderalicenseagreement,lease,license,or
permit.
Section21.Sustainedyield.Allmeasuresshallbetakentoachievean
approximatebalancebetweengrowthandharvestoruseofforestproducts
inforestlands.

A.TIMBER
Section22.Silviculturalandharvestingsystems.Inanyloggingoperations
inproductionforestswithinforestlands,thepropersilviculturaland
harvestingsystemsthatwillpromoteoptimumsustainedyieldshallbe
practised.
(a)Fordipterocarpforest,selectiveloggingshallbepractised.
(b)Forpineforest,theseedtreesystemwithplantingwhennecessary
shallbepractised.
(c)Forothertypesofforest,thesilviculturalandharvestingsystem
thatwillbefoundsuitablebyresearchshallbeapplied.Meanwhile,a
systembasedonobservationandpracticesabroadmaybeadopted
initially.
Anypractisedsystemaresubjecttomodificationorchangesbasedon
researchfindings.
Section23.Timberinventory.TheBureaushallconductaprogramof
progressiveinventoriesoftheharvestabletimberandyoungtreesinall
forestlands,whethercoveredbyanylicenseagreement,license,leaseor
permit,ornot,untilaonehundredpercent(100%)timberinventory
thereonhasbeenachieved.
Section24.Requiredinventorypriortotimberutilizationinforestlands.No
harvestoftimberinanyforestlandshallbeallowedunlessithasbeenthe
subjectofatleastafivepercent(5%)timberinventory,oranystatistically
soundtimberestimate,madenotearlierthanfive(5)yearspriortothe
issuanceofalicenseagreementorlicenseallowingsuchutilization.
Section25.Cuttingcycle.TheBureaushallapplyscientificcuttingcycleand
rotationinallforestlands,givingparticularconsiderationtotheage,volume
andkindofhealthyresidualtreeswhichmaybeleftundisturbedand
undamagedforfutureharvestandforestcoverindipterocarparea,andseed
treesandreproductioninpinearea.
Section26.Annualallowablecut.Theannualallowablecutofanyparticular
forestlandshallbedeterminedonthebasisoftheestablishedrotationand
cuttingcyclethereof,andthevolumeandkindofharvestabletimberand
healthyresiduals,seedtreesandreproductionfoundtherein.
Section27.Durationoflicenseagreementorlicensetoharvesttimberin
forestlands.Thedurationoftheprivilegetoharvesttimberinanyparticular

forestlandunderalicenseagreementorlicenseshallbefixedand
determinedinaccordancewiththeannualallowablecuttherein,the
establishedcuttingcyclethereof,theyieldcapacityofharvestabletimber,
andthecapacityofhealthyresidualsforasecondgrowth.
Theprivilegeshallautomaticallyterminate,evenbeforetheexpirationofthe
licenseagreementoflicense,themomenttheharvestabletimberhavebeen
utilizedwithoutleavinganyloggedoverareacapableofcommercial
utilization.
Themaximumperiodofanyprivilegetoharvesttimberistwentyfive(25)
years,renewableforaperiod,notexceedingtwentyfive(25)years,
necessarytoutilizealltheremainingcommercialquantityorharvestable
timbereitherfromtheunloggedorloggedoverarea.
Itshallbeaconditionforthecontinuedprivilegetoharvesttimberunder
anylicenseorlicenseagreementthatthelicenseeshallreforestalltheareas
whichshallbedeterminedbytheBureau.
Section28.Sizeofforestconcessions.Forestlandsshallnotbeheldin
perpetuity.
Thesizeoftheforestlandswhichmaybethesubjectoftimberutilization
shallbelimitedtothatwhichapersonmayeffectivelyutilizeanddevelopfor
aperiodoffifty(50)years,consideringthecuttingcycle,thepast
performanceoftheapplicantandhiscapacitynotonlytoutilizebut,more
importantly,toprotectandmanagethewholearea,andtherequirementsof
processingplantsexistingortobeinstalledintheregion.
Forestconcessionswhichhadbeenthesubjectofconsolidationsshallbe
reviewedandreevaluatedfortheeffectiveimplementationofprotection,
reforestationandmanagementthereofunderthemultipleuseandsustained
yieldconcepts,andfortheprocessinglocallyofthetimberresources
therefrom.
B.WOODPROCESSING
Section29.Incentivestothewoodindustry.TheDepartmentHead,in
collaborationwithothergovernmentagenciesandthewoodindustry
associationsandotherprivateentitiesinthecountry,shallevolveincentives
fortheestablishmentofanintegratedwoodindustryindesignatedwood
industrycentersand/oreconomicarea.
ThePresidentofthePhilippines,upontherecommendationsoftheNational
EconomicDevelopmentAuthorityandtheDepartmentHead,mayestablish

woodindustryimportexportcentersinselectedlocations:Provided,That
logsimportedforsuchcentersshallbesubjecttosuchprecautionasmaybe
imposedbytheBureau,incollaborationwithpropergovernmentagencies,
topreventtheintroductionofpests,insectsand/ordiseasesdetrimentalto
theforests.
Section30.Rationalizationofthewoodindustry.Whileestablishmentof
woodprocessingplantsshallbeencouraged,theirlocationsandoperations
shallberegulatedinordertorationalizetheindustry.Nonewprocessing
plantshallbeestablishedunlessadequaterawmaterialisavailableona
sustainedyieldbasisintheareawheretherawmaterialswillcomefrom.
TheDepartmentHeadmaycancel,suspend,orphaseoutalluneconomical
woodprocessingplantswhicharenotresponsivetotherationalization
programofthegovernment.
Section31.Woodwastes,weedtreesandresidues.Timberlicenseesshall
beencouragedandassistedtogatherandsavethewoodwastesandweed
treesintheirconcessions,andthosewithprocessingplants,thewood
residuesthereof,forutilizationandconversionintowoodbyproductsand
derivatives.
Section32.Logproductionandprocessing.Unlessotherwisedecreedby
thePresident,uponrecommendationoftheNationalEconomicDevelopment
Authority,theentireproductionoflogsbyalllicenseesshall,beginning
January1,1976,beprocessedlocally.
Alicenseewhohasnoprocessingplantmay,subjecttotheapprovalofthe
Director,enterintoacontractwithawoodprocessorfortheprocessingof
hislogs.Woodprocessorsshallacceptforprocessingonlylogscutby,or
purchasedfrom,licenseesofgoodstandingatthetimeofthecuttingoflogs.
C.REFORESTATION
Section33.Forestlandstobereforested.Thefollowingshallbereforested
andcoveredwithsuitableandsufficienttrees,towit:
(a)Bareorgrasscoveredtractsofforestlandswithatleastfiftyper
cent(50%)slope
(b)Bareorgrasscoveredtractsofforestlandswithlessthanfiftyper
cent(50%)slope,butwithsoilsohighlyerodibleastomakegrass
coverinadequateforsoilerosioncontrol

(c)Brushlandsortractsofforestlandsgenerallycoveredwithbrush,
whichneedtobedevelopedtoincreasetheirproductivity
(d)Opentractsofforestlandswithslopesorgradientsgenerally
exceedingfiftypercent(50%),interspersedwithpatchesofforest
eachofwhichislessthantwohundredfifty(250)hectaresinarea
(e)Denudedorinadequatelytimberedareasproclaimedbythe
Presidentasforestreservesandreservationsascriticalwatersheds,
nationalparks,gamerefuge,birdsanctuaries,nationalshrines,
nationalhistoricsites
(f)Inadequatelystockedforestlandswithinforestconcessions
(g)Portionsofareascoveredbypastureleasesorpermitshavinga
slopeofatleastfiftypercent(50%)and
(h)Riverbanks,easements,roadrightsofways,deltas,swamps,
formerriverbeds,andbeaches.
Section34.IndustrialTreePlantationsandTreeFarms.Aleaseforaperiod
oftwentyfive(25)years,renewableforanotherperiodnotexceeding
twentyfive(25)years,fortheestablishmentofanindustrialtreeplantation
oratreefarmmaybegrantedbytheDepartmentHeadupon
recommendationoftheDirectortoanypersonqualifiedtodevelopand
exploitnaturalresources,overtimberorforestlandsofthepublicdomain
categorizedinSection33hereof,withaminimumareaofOneThousand
(1,000)hectaresforindustrialtreeplantationandOneHundred(100)
hectaresfortreefarmProvided,Thatthesizeoftheareathatmaybe
grantedundereachcategoryshallineachcasedependuponthecapacityof
thelesseetodeveloporconverttheareaintoproductiveconditionwithinthe
termoftheleaseProvided,further,Thatnoleaseshallbegrantedwithin
criticalwatersheds.
ScatteredareasoflessthanOneHundred(100)hectareseachmaybe
leasedfortheestablishmentoftreefarmstodifferentqualifiedpersonsupon
ashowingthatifdevelopedasanintegratedunittheseareascanbe
economicallyexploited:Provided,Thatitshallbeaconditionofthelease
thatsuchpersonsorganizethemselvesintoacooperativetoensurethe
orderlymanagementthereof.
Theleasemaybegrantedundersuchtermsandconditionsasthe
DepartmentHeadmayprescribe,takingintoaccount,amongothers,theraw

materialneedsofforestbasedindustriesandthemaintenanceofa
wholesomeecologicalbalance.
ReforestationprojectsoftheGovernment,orportionsthereofwhich,upon
fieldevaluation,arefoundtobemoresuitablefor,orcanbebetter
developedas,industrialtreeplantationsortreefarmsintermsofbenefitsto
theGovernmentandthegeneralsurroundingarea,maybethesubjectof
theleaseunderthissection.
Section35.Priority.Overanysuitableareacoveredbyatimberlicense
agreement,orapastureleaseagreementorpermit,theprioritytoestablish
industrialforestplantationortreefarmshallbegiventotheholderthereof.
Thepriorityhereingrantedmust,however,beavailedofwithinareasonable
periodtobedeterminedbytheDepartmentHead,otherwise,theareashall
bedeclaredopentoanyqualifiedpersonandconsequentlysegregatedfrom
theholder'sarea.
Section36.Incentives.Toencouragequalifiedpersonstoengagein
industrialtreeplantationand/ortreefarming,thefollowingincentivesare
granted:
(a)Paymentofanominalfilingfeeoffiftycentavos(P0.50)per
hectare
(b)Norentalshallbecollectedduringthefirstfive(5)yearsfromthe
dateoftheleasefromthesixthyeartothetenthyear,theannual
rentalshallbefiftycentavos(P0.50)perhectareandthereafter,the
annualrentalshallbeonepeso(P1.00)perhectare:Provided,That
lesseesofareaslongdenudedascertifiedbytheDirectorand
approvedbytheDepartmentHead,shallbeexemptedfromthe
paymentofrentalforthefulltermoftheleasewhichshallnotexceed
twentyfive(25)yearsforthefirstfive(5)yearsfollowingthe
renewalofthelease,theannualrentalshallbefiftycentavos(P0.50)
perhectareandthereafter,theannualrentalshallbeonepeso
(P1.00)perhectare.
(c)Thelesseeshallpayforestchargesonthetimberandotherforest
productsgrownandcutorgatheredinanindustrialtreeplantationor
treefarmequivalenttosixpercent(6%)currentmarketvaluethereof
(d)Saleatcostofseedlingsandfreetechnicaladviceandassistance
topersonswhowilldeveloptheirprivatelyownedlandsintoindustrial
treeplantationortreefarm

(e)ExemptionfromthepaymentofthepercentagetaxleviedinTitleV
oftheNationalInternalRevenueCodewhenthetimberandforest
productsaresold,barteredorexchangedbythelesseewhetherin
theiroriginalstateornot
(f)TheBoardofInvestmentsshall,notwithstandingitsnationality
requirementonprojectsinvolvingnaturalresources,classifyindustrial
treeplantationsandtreefarmsaspioneerareasofinvestmentunder
itsannualpriorityplan,tobegovernedbytherulesandregulationsof
saidBoard.Alesseeofanindustrialtreeplantationortreefarmmay
eitherapplytotheBoardofInvestmentsforthetaxandotherbenefits
thereunder,oravailofthefollowingbenefits:
1.Amountsexpendedbyalesseeinthedevelopmentand
operationofanindustrialtreeplantationortreefarmpriortothe
timewhentheproductionstateisreached,may,attheoptionof
saidlessee,beregardedasordinaryandnecessarybusiness
expensesorascapitalexpendituresand
2.Deductionfromaninvestor'staxableincomefortheyear,of
anannualinvestmentallowanceequivalenttothirtythreeand
onethirdpercent(331/3%)ofhisactualinvestmentduringthe
yearinanenterpriseengagedinindustrialtreeplantationortree
farm:Provided,Thatsuchinvestmentshallnotbewithdrawnfor
aperiodofatleastten(10)yearsfromthedateofinvestment:
Provided,further,Thatshouldtheinvestmentbewithdrawn
withinsuchperiod,ataxequivalenttodoubletheamountofthe
totalincometaxrebateresultingfromtheinvestmentallowance
shallbepayableasalumpsuminadditiontotheincometaxdue
fromthetaxpayerfortheyeartheinvestmentwaswithdrawn.
(g)Exceptwhenpublicinterestdemandsthealterationor
modification,theboundariesofanareacoveredbyanindustrialtree
plantationortreefarmlease,onceestablishedontheground,shallnot
bealteredormodifiedand
(h)Alesseeshallnotbesubjecttoanyobligationprescribedin,or
arisingoutof,theprovisionsoftheNationalInternalRevenueCodeon
withholdingoftaxatsourceuponinterestspaidonborrowings
incurredfordevelopmentandoperationoftheindustrialtree
plantationortreefarm.
TheDepartmentHeadmayprovideotherincentivesinadditiontothose
hereinabovegrantedtopromoteindustrialtreeplantationandtreefarmsin
specialareassuchas,butnotlimitedto,thosewheretherearenoroadsor

whereroadsareinadequate,orareaswithroughtopographyandremote
areasfarfromprocessingplants.
Allamountscollectedunderthissectionshallaccruetoaspecialdepositof
theBureautobeusedforreforestationofcriticalwatershedsordegraded
areasandotherdevelopmentactivities,overandabovethegeneral
appropriationofthesaidBureau.
D.FORESTPROTECTION
Section37.Protectionofallresources.Allmeasuresshallbetakento
protecttheforestresourcesfromdestruction,impairmentanddepletion.
Section38.Controlofconcessionarea.Inordertoachievetheeffective
protectionoftheforestlandsandtheresourcesthereoffromillegalentry,
unlawfuloccupation,kaingin,fire,insectinfestation,theft,andotherforms
offorestdestruction,theutilizationoftimberthereinshallnotbeallowed
exceptthroughlicenseagreementsunderwhichtheholdersthereofshall
havetheexclusiveprivilegetocutalltheallowableharvestabletimberin
theirrespectiveconcessions,andtheadditionalrightofoccupation,
possession,andcontroloverthesame,totheexclusiveofallothers,except
thegovernment,butwiththecorrespondingobligationtoadoptallthe
protectionandconservationmeasurestoensurethecontinuityofthe
productiveconditionofsaidareas,conformablywithmultipleuseand
sustainedyieldmanagement.
Iftheholderofalicenseagreementoveraforestareaexpresslyorimpliedly
waivestheprivilegetoutilizeanysoftwood,hardwoodormangrovespecies
therein,alicensemaybeissuedtoanotherpersonfortheharvestthereof
withoutanyrightofpossessionoroccupationovertheareaswheretheyare
found,butheshall,likewise,adoptprotectionandconservationmeasures
consistentwiththoseadoptedbythelicenseagreementholderinthesaid
areas.
Section39.Regulationoftimberutilizationinallotherclassesoflandsand
ofwoodprocessingplants.Theutilizationoftimberinalienableand
disposablelands,privatelands,civilreservations,andalllandscontaining
standingorfelledtimber,includingthoseunderthejurisdictionofother
governmentagencies,andtheestablishmentandoperationofsawmillsand
otherwoodprocessingplants,shallberegulatedinordertopreventthem
frombeingusedassheltersforexcessiveandunauthorizedharvestsin
forestlands,andshallnotthereforebeallowedexceptthroughalicense
agreement,license,leaseorpermit.

Section40.Timberinventoryinotherlandscontainingstandingorfelled
timber.TheBureaushallconductaonehundredpercent(100%)timber
inventoryinalienableanddisposablelandsandcivilreservations
immediatelyuponclassificationorreservationthereof.
Noharvestofstandingorfelledtimberinalienableanddisposablelands,
privatelands,civilreservation,andallotherlands,includingthoseunderthe
jurisdictionofothergovernmentagencies,shallbeallowedunlessaone
hundredpercent(100%)timberinventoryhasbeenconductedthereon.
Section41.Sworntimberinventoryreports.Allreportsontimber
inventoriesofforestlands,alienableanddisposablelands,privatelands,civil
reservations,andalllandscontainingstandingorfelledtimbermustbe
subscribedandsworntobyalltheforestofficerswhoconductedthesame.
Section42.Participationinthedevelopmentofalienableanddisposable
landsandcivilreservations.Theprivilegetoharvesttimberinalienableand
disposablelandsandcivilreservationsshallbegiventothosewhocanbest
helpinthedelineationanddevelopmentofsuchareasinaccordancewith
themanagementplanoftheappropriategovernmentexercisingjurisdiction
overthesame.
Theextentofparticipationshallbebasedontheamountoftimberwhich
maybeharvestedtherefrom.
Section43.Swamplandsandmangroveforests.Stripsofmangroveforest
borderingnumerousislandswhichprotecttheshoreline,theshorelineroads,
andevencoastalcommunitiesfromthedestructiveforceoftheseaduring
highwindsandtyphoons,shallbemaintainedandshallnotbealienated.
Suchstripsmustbekeptfromartificialobstructionsothatfloodwaterwill
flowunimpededtotheseatoavoidfloodingorinundationofcultivatedareas
intheupstream.
Allmangroveswampssetasideforcoastprotectionpurposesshallnotbe
subjecttoclearcuttingoperation.
MangroveandotherswampsreleasedtotheBureauofFisheriesandAquatic
Resourcesforfishpondpurposeswhicharenotutilized,orwhichhavebeen
abandonedforfive(5)yearsfromthedateofsuchreleaseshallreverttothe
categoryofforestland.
Section44.Visitorialpower.TheDepartmentHeadmay,byhimselforthru
theDirectororanyqualifiedpersondulydesignatedbytheDepartment
Head,investigate,inspectandexaminerecords,booksandotherdocuments
relatingtotheoperationofanyholderofalicenseagreement,license,lease,

orpermit,anditssubsidiaryoraffiliatedcompanies,todetermine
compliancewiththetermsandconditionsthereof,thisCodeandpertinent
laws,policies,rulesandregulations.
Section45.Authorityofforestofficers.Whenintheperformanceoftheir
officialduties,forestofficers,orothergovernmentofficialsoremployees
dulyauthorizedbytheDepartmentHeadorDirector,shallhavefreeentry
intoareascoveredbyalicenseagreement,license,leaseorpermit.
Forestofficersareauthorizedtoadministeroathandtakeacknowledgment
inofficialmattersconnectedwiththefunctionsoftheiroffice,andtotake
testimonyinofficialinvestigationsconductedundertheauthorityofthis
Codeandtheimplementingrulesandregulations.
Section46.Scalingstations.Incollaborationwithappropriategovernment
agencies,theBureaushallestablishcontrolorscalingstationsatsuitably
locatedoutletsoftimberandotherforestproductstoinsurethattheywere
legallycutorharvested.
Section47.Miningoperations.Miningoperationsinforestlandsshallbe
regulatedandconductedwithdueregardtoprotection,developmentand
utilizationofothersurfaceresources.
Location,prospecting,exploration,utilizationorexploitationofmineral
resourcesinforestreservationsshallbegovernedbyMininglaws,rulesand
regulations.Nolocation,prospecting,exploration,utilization,orexploitation
ofmineralresourcesinsideforestconcessionsshallbeallowedunlessproper
noticehasbeenserveduponthelicenseesthereofandthepriorapprovalof
theDirector,secured.
Minetailingsandotherpollutantsaffectingthehealthandsafetyofthe
people,water,fish,vegetation,animallifeandothersurfaceresources,shall
befilteredinsilttrapsorotherfiltrationdevicesandonlycleanexhaustsand
liquidsshallbereleasedtherefrom.
Surfaceminedareasshallberestoredtoasnearitsformernatural
configurationorasapprovedbytheDirectorpriortoitsabandonmentbythe
miningconcern.
Section48.MineralReservations.Mineralreservationswhicharenotthe
subjectofminingoperationsorwhereoperationshavebeensuspendedfor
morethanfive(5)yearsshallbeplacedunderforestmanagementbythe
Bureau.

Mineralreservationswhereminingoperationshavebeenterminateddueto
theexhaustionofitsmineralsshallreverttothecategoryofforestland,
unlessotherwisereservedforotherpurposes.
Section49.Roadsandotherinfrastructure.Roadsandotherinfrastructure
inforestlandsshallbeconstructedwiththeleastimpairmenttotheresource
valuesthereof.
Governmentagenciesundertakingtheconstructionofroads,bridges,
communications,andotherinfrastructureandinstallationsinsideforest
lands,shallcoordinatewiththeBureau,especiallyifitwillinvolvethe
utilizationordestructionoftimberand/orotherforestresources,or
watersheddisturbancetherein,inordertoadoptmeasurestoavoidor
reducedamageorinjurytotheforestresourcevalues.
Theyshalllikewiseextendassistanceintheplanningandestablishmentof
roads,wharves,piers,portfacilities,andotherinfrastructureinlocations
designatedaswoodprocessingcentersorfortheconvenienceof
woodbasedindustries.
Inordertocoincideandconformtogovernmentplans,programs,standards,
andspecifications,holdersoflicenseagreements,licenses,leasesand
permitsshallnotundertakeroadorinfrastructureconstructionorinstallation
inforestlandswithoutthepriorapprovaloftheDirector,orinalienableand
disposablelands,civilreservationsandothergovernmentlands,withoutthe
approvalofthegovernmentagencieshavingadministrativejurisdictionover
thesame.
Allroadsandinfrastructureconstructedbyholdersoflicenseagreements,
licenses,leasesandpermitsbelongtotheStateandtheuseand
administrationthereofshallbetransferredtothegovernmentimmediately
upontheexpirationorterminationthereof.PriortheretotheBureaumay
authorizethepublicusethereof,ifitwillnotbedetrimentaltoforest
conservationmeasures.
Whereroadsareutilizedbymorethanonecommercialforestuser,the
Bureaushallprescribethetermsandconditionsofjointuseincludingthe
equitablesharingofconstructionand/ormaintenancecosts,andoftheuse
oftheseroadsbyotherpartiesandthecollectionofsuchfeesasmaybe
deemednecessary.
Section50.Loggingroads.Thereshallbeindiscriminateconstructionof
loggingroads.

Suchroadsshallbestrategicallylocatedandtheirwidthsregulatedsoasto
minimizeclearcutting,unnecessarydamageorinjurytohealthyresiduals,
anderosion.Theirconstructionmustnotonlyservethetransportationneed
oftheloggerbut,mostimportantly,therequirementtosaveasmany
healthyresidualsaspossibleduringcuttingandhaulingoperations.
Section51.Managementofoccupancyinforestlands.Forestoccupancy
shallhenceforthbemanaged.TheBureaushallstudy,determineanddefine
whichlandsmaybethesubjectofoccupancyandprescribedtherein,an
agroforestrydevelopmentprogram.
Occupantsshallundertakemeasurestopreventandprotectforest
resources.
Anyoccupancyinforestlandwhichwillresultinsedimentation,erosion,
reductioninwateryieldandimpairmentofotherresourcestothedetriment
ofcommunityandpublicinterestshallnotbeallowed.
Inareasabove50%inslope,occupationshallbeconditioneduponthe
plantingofdesirabletreesthereonand/oradoptionofotherconservation
measures.
Section52.Censusofkaingineros,squatters,culturalminoritiesandother
occupantsandresidentsinforestlands.Henceforth,nopersonshallenter
intoforestlandsandcultivatethesamewithoutleaseorpermit.
Acompletecensusofkaingineros,squatters,culturalminoritiesandother
occupantsandresidentsinforestlandswithorwithoutauthorityorpermits
fromthegovernment,showingtheextentoftheirrespectiveoccupationand
resultingdamage,orimpairmentofforestresources,shallbeconducted.
TheBureaumaycalluponotheragenciesofthegovernmentandholdersof
licenseagreement,license,leaseandpermitsoverforestlandstoparticipate
inthecensus.
Section53.CriminalProsecution.Kaingineros,squatters,culturalminorities
andotheroccupantswhoenteredintoforestlandsbeforetheeffectivityof
thisCode,withoutpermitsorauthority,shallnotbeprosecuted:Provided,
Thattheydonotincreasetheirclearings:Provided,further,Thatthey
undertake,withintwo(2)monthsfromthenoticethereof,theactivities
whichwillbeimposeduponthembytheBureauinaccordancewitha
managementplancalculatedtoconserveandprotectforestresources.
E.SPECIALUSES

Section54.Pastureinforestlands.Noforestland50%inslopeorover
maybeutilizedforpasturepurposes.
Forestlandswhicharebeingutilizedforpastureshallbemaintainedwith
sufficientgrasscovertoprotectsoil,waterandotherforestresources.
Ifgrasscoverisinsufficient,thesameshallbesupplementedwithtreesor
suchvegetativecoverasmaybedeemednecessary.
Thesizeofforestlandsthatmaybeallowedforpastureandotherspecial
usesshallbedeterminedbyrulesandregulations,anyprovisionoflawto
thecontrarynotwithstanding.
Section55.Wildlife.Wildlifemaybedestroyed,killed,consumed,eatenor
otherwisedisposedof,withoutthenecessityofpermit,fortheprotectionof
life,health,safetyandproperty,andtheconvenienceofthepeople.
However,theDirectormayregulatethekillinganddestructionofwildlifein
forestlandsinordertomaintainanecologicalbalanceoffloraandfauna.
Section56.Recreation.TheBureaushall,inthepreparationofmultipleuse
managementplans,identifyandprovidefortheprotectionofscenicareasin
allforestlandswhicharepotentiallyvaluableforrecreationandtourism,and
planforthedevelopmentandprotectionofsuchareastoattractvisitors
theretoandmeetincreasingdemandstherefor.
Theconstructionandoperationofnecessaryfacilitiestoaccommodate
outdoorrecreationshallbedonebytheBureauwiththeuseoffundsderived
fromrentalsandfeesfortheoperationanduseofrecreationalfacilitiesby
privatepersonsoroperators,inadditiontowhateverfundsmaybe
appropriatedforsuchpurposes.
Section57.Otherspecialusesofforestlands.Forestlandsmaybeleased
foraperiodnotexceedingtwentyfive(25)years,renewableuponthe
expirationthereofforasimilarperiod,orheldunderpermit,forthe
establishmentofsawmills,lumberyards,timberdepots,loggingcamps,
rightsofway,orfortheconstructionofsanatoria,bathingestablishments,
camps,saltworks,orotherbeneficialpurposeswhichdonotinanyway
impairtheforestresourcestherein.
F.QUALIFICATIONS
Section58.Diffusionofbenefits.Theprivilegetoutilize,exploit,occupy,or
possessforestlands,ortoconductanyactivitytherein,ortoestablishand

operatewoodprocessingplants,shallbediffusedtoasmanyqualifiedand
deservingapplicantsaspossible.
Section59.Citizenship.Intheevaluationofapplicationsofcorporations,
increasedFilipinoequityandparticipationbeyondthe60%constitutional
limitationshallbeencouraged.Allotherfactorsbeingequal,theapplicant
withmoreFilipinoequityandparticipationshallbepreferred.
Section60.Financialandtechnicalcapability.Nolicenseagreement,
license,leaseorpermitoverforestlandsshallbeissuedtoanapplicant
unlessheprovessatisfactorilythathehasthefinancialresourcesand
technicalcapabilitynotonlytominimizeutilization,butalsotopractice
forestprotection,conservationanddevelopmentmeasurestoinsurethe
perpetuationofsaidforestinproductivecondition.
Section61.Transfers.UnlessauthorizedbytheDepartmentHead,no
licensee,lessee,orpermitteemaytransfer,exchange,sellorconveyhis
licenseagreement,license,leaseorpermit,oranyofhisrightsorinterests
therein,oranyofhisassetsusedinconnectiontherewith.
Thelicensee,lessee,orpermitteeshallbeallowedtotransferorconveyhis
licenseagreement,license,leaseorpermitonlyifhehasnotviolatedany
forestrylaw,ruleorregulationhasbeenfaithfullycomplyingwiththeterms
andconditionsofthelicenseagreement,license,leaseorpermitthe
transfereehasallthequalificationsandnoneofthedisqualificationstohold
alicenseagreement,license,leaseorpermitthereisnoevidencethatsuch
transferorconveyanceisbeingmadeforpurposesofspeculationandthe
transfereeshallassumealltheobligationsofthetransferor.
Thetransferorshallforeverbebarredfromacquiringanotherlicense
agreement,license,leaseorpermit.
Section62.Servicecontracts.TheDepartmentHead,mayinthenational
interest,allowforestproductslicensees,lessees,orpermitteestoenterinto
servicecontractsforfinancial,technical,management,orotherformsof
assistance,inconsiderationofafee,withanyforeignpersonorentityforthe
exploration,development,exploitationorutilizationoftheforestresources,
coveredbytheirlicenseagreements,licenses,leasesorpermits.Existing
validandbindingservicecontractsforfinancial,technical,managementor
otherformsofassistanceareherebyrecognizedassuch.
Section63.Equitysharing.Everycorporationholdingalicenseagreement,
license,leaseorpermittoutilize,exploit,occupyorpossessanyforestland,
orconductanyactivitytherein,orestablishandoperateawoodprocessing
plant,shallwithinone(1)yearaftertheeffectivityofthisCode,formulate

andsubmittotheDepartmentHeadforapprovalaplanforthesaleofat
leasttwentypercent(20%)ofitssubscribedcapitalstockinfavorofits
employeesandlaborers.
Theplanshallbesoimplementedthatthesaleofthesharesofstockshall
beeffectedbythecorporationnotlaterthanthesixthyearofitsoperation,
orthefirstyearoftheeffectivityofthisCode,ifthecorporationhasbeenin
operationformorethan5yearspriortosucheffectivity.
Nocorporationshallbeissuedanylicenseagreement,license,leaseor
permitaftertheeffectivityofthisCode,unlessitsubmitssuchaplanand
thesameisapprovedforimplementationwithinthesixthyearofits
operation.
TheDepartmentHeadshallpromulgatethenecessaryrulesandregulations
tocarryouttheprovisionsofthissection,particularlyonthedetermination
ofthemannerofpayment,factorsaffectingthesellingprice,establishment
ofprioritiesinthepurchaseofthesharesofstock,andthecapabilityofthe
deservingemployeesandlaborers.Theindustriesconcernedshallextendall
assistanceinthepromulgationofpoliciesonthematter,suchasthe
submissionofalldataandinformationrelativetotheiroperation,personnel
management,andassetevaluation.
G.REGULATORYFEES
Section64.Charges,feesandbonds.TheDepartmentHead,upon
recommendationoftheDirector,shallfixtheamountofcharges,rental,
bondsandfeesforthedifferentkindsofutilization,exploitation,occupation,
possession,oractivityinsideforestlands,thefilingandprocessingof
applicationstherefor,theissuanceandrenewaloflicenseagreements,
licenses,leasesandpermits,andforotherservicesProvided,Thatallfees
andchargespresentlybeingcollectedunderexistinglawsandregulations
shallcontinuetobeimposedandcollecteduntilotherwiseprovided
Provided,further,Thattimbertakenandremovedfromprivatelandsfor
commercialpurposesshallbeexemptfromthepaymentofforestcharges.
Section65.AuthorityofDepartmentHeadtoimposeotherfees.Inaddition
tothefeesandchargesimposedunderexistinglaws,rulesandregulations,
theDepartmentHeadisherebyauthorized,uponrecommendationofthe
Directorandinconsultationwithrepresentativesoftheindustriesaffected,
toimposeotherfeesforforestprotection,management,reforestation,and
development,theproceedsofwhichshallaccrueintoaspecialdepositofthe
Bureauasitsrevolvingfundfortheaforementionedpurposes.

Section66.CollectionandDisbursement.Thecollectionofthechargesand
feesabovementionedshallbetheresponsibilityoftheDirectororhis
authorizedrepresentative.TheDirectorshallremithismonthlycollectionof
feesandchargesmentionedinSection64totheTreasurerofthePhilippines
withinthefirstten(10)daysofthesucceedingmonthProvided,Thatthe
proceedsofthecollectionofthefeesimposedunderSection65andthe
specialdepositheretoforerequiredoflicenseesshallbeconstitutedintoa
revolvingfundforsuchpurposesandbedepositedinthePhilippineNational
Bank,asaspecialdepositoftheBureau.TheBudgetCommissionerandthe
NationalTreasurershalleffectthequarterlyreleasesoutofthecollection
accruingtothegeneralfunduponrequestoftheDirectoronthebasisofa
consolidatedannualbudgetofaworkprogramapprovedbytheDepartment
HeadandthePresident.
Inthecaseofthespecialdepositrevolvingfund,withdrawalstherefromshall
beeffectedbytheDepartmentHeadonthebasisofaconsolidatedannual
budgetpreparedbytheDirectorofaworkprogramforthespecificpurposes
mentionedinSection65.
Section67.BasisofAssessment.Treemeasurementshallbethebasisfor
assessinggovernmentchargesandotherfeesontimbercutandremoved
fromforestlands,alienableordisposablelands,andthecivilreservations
Provided,Thatuntilsuchtimeasthemechanicsoftreemeasurementshall
havebeendevelopedandpromulgatedinrulesandregulations,thepresent
scalingmethodprovidedforintheNationalInternalRevenueCodeshallbe
used.
TheDirectormay,withtheapprovaloftheDepartmentHead,prescribea
newmethodofassessmentofforestproductsandcollectionofcharges
thereonbasedupontheresultofproductioncostandmarketstudies
undertakenbytheBureauProvided,Thatsuchchargesshallnotbelower
thanthosenowimposed.
CHAPTERIV
CRIMINALOFFENSESANDPENALTIES
Section68.Cutting,gatheringand/orcollectingtimberorotherproducts
withoutlicense.Anypersonwhoshallcut,gather,collect,orremovetimber
orotherforestproductsfromanyforestland,ortimberfromalienableand
disposablepubliclands,orfromprivatelands,withoutanyauthorityundera
licenseagreement,lease,licenseorpermit,shallbeguiltyofqualifiedtheft
asdefinedandpunishedunderArticles309and310oftheRevisedPenal
CodeProvided,Thatinthecaseofpartnership,associationorcorporation,
theofficerswhoorderedthecutting,gatheringorcollectingshallbeliable,
andifsuchofficersarealiens,theyshall,inadditiontothepenalty,be

deportedwithoutfurtherproceedingsonthepartoftheCommissionon
ImmigrationandDeportation.
TheCourtshallfurtherordertheconfiscationinfavorofthegovernmentof
thetimberorforestproductstocut,gathered,collectedorremoved,andthe
machinery,equipment,implementsandtoolsusedtherein,andthe
forfeitureofhisimprovementsinthearea.
Thesamepenaltypluscancellationofhislicenseagreement,lease,license
orpermitandperpetualdisqualificationfromacquiringanysuchprivilege
shallbeimposeduponanylicensee,lessee,orpermitteewhocutstimber
fromthelicensedorleasedareaofanother,withoutprejudicetowhatever
civilactionthelattermaybringagainsttheoffender.
Section69.Unlawfuloccupationordestructionofforestlands.Anyperson
whoentersandoccupiesorpossesses,ormakeskainginforhisownprivate
useorforothersanyforestlandwithoutauthorityunderalicense
agreement,lease,licenseorpermit,orinanymannerdestroyssuchforest
landorpartthereof,orcausesanydamagetothetimberstandandother
productsandforestgrowthsfoundtherein,orwhoassists,aidsorabetsany
otherpersontodoso,orsetsafire,ornegligentlypermitsafiretobesetin
anyforestlandshall,uponconviction,befinedinanamountofnotlessthan
fivehundredpesos(P500.00)normorethantwentythousandpesos
(P20,000.00)andimprisonedfornotlessthansix(6)monthsnormorethan
two(2)yearsforeachsuchoffense,andbeliabletothepaymentoften(10)
timestherentalfeesandotherchargeswhichwouldhavebeenaccruedhad
theoccupationanduseofthelandbeenauthorizedunderalicense
agreement,lease,licenseorpermit:Provided,Thatinthecaseofan
offenderfoundguiltyofmakingkaingin,thepenaltyshallbeimprisonedfor
notlessthantwo(2)normorethan(4)yearsandafineequaltoeight(8)
timestheregularforestchargesdueontheforestproductsdestroyed,
withoutprejudicetothepaymentofthefullcostofrestorationofthe
occupiedareaasdeterminedbytheBureau.
TheCourtshallfurtherordertheevictionoftheoffenderfromthelandand
theforfeituretotheGovernmentofallimprovementsmadeandallvehicles,
domesticanimalsandequipmentofanykindusedinthecommissionofthe
offense.IfnotsuitableforusebytheBureau,saidvehiclesshallbesoldat
publicauction,theproceedsofwhichshallaccruetotheDevelopmentFund
oftheBureau.
Incasetheoffenderisagovernmentofficialoremployee,heshall,in
additiontotheabovepenalties,bedeemedautomaticallydismissedfrom

officeandpermanentlydisqualifiedfromholdinganyelectiveorappointive
position.
Section70.PasturingLivestock.Imprisonmentfornotlessthansix(6)
monthsnormorethantwo(2)yearsandafineequaltoten(10)timesthe
regularrentalsdue,inadditiontotheconfiscationofsuchlivestockandall
improvementintroducedintheareainfavorofthegovernment,shallbe
imposeduponanyperson,whoshall,withoutauthorityunderaleaseor
permit,grazeorcausetograzelivestockinforestlands,grazinglandsand
alienableanddisposablelandswhichhavenotasyetbeendisposedofin
accordancewiththePublicLandActProvided,Thatincasetheoffenderisa
corporation,partnershiporassociation,theofficersanddirectorsthereof
shallbeliable.
Section71.Illegaloccupationofnationalparkssystemandrecreationareas
andvandalismtherein.Anypersonwhoshall,withoutpermit,occupyforany
lengthoftimeanyportionofthenationalparkssystemorshall,inany
manner,cut,destroy,damageorremovetimberoranyspeciesof
vegetationorforestcoverandothernaturalresourcesfoundtherein,orshall
mutilate,defaceordestroyobjectsofnaturalbeautyorofscenicvalue
withinareasinthenationalparkssystem,shallbefinednotlessthantwo
hundred(P200.00)pesosormorethanfivehundred(P500.00)pesos
exclusiveofthevalueofthethingdamagedProvided,Thatifthearea
requiresrehabilitationorrestorationasdeterminedbytheDirector,the
offendershallalsoberequiredtorestoreorcompensatefortherestoration
ofthedamageProvided,Further,Thatanypersonwho,withoutproper
permitshallhunt,captureorkillanykindofbird,fishorwildanimallife
withinanyareainthenationalparkssystemshallbesubjecttothesame
penaltyProvided,Finally,ThattheCourtshallorderevictionoftheoffender
fromthelandandtheforfeitureinfavoroftheGovernmentofalltimberor
anyspeciesofvegetationandothernaturalresourcescollectedorremoved,
andanyconstructionorimprovementmadethereonbytheoffender.Ifthe
offenderisanassociationorcorporation,thepresidentormanagershallbe
directlyresponsibleandliablefortheactofhisemployeesorlaborers.
Intheeventthatanofficialofacityormunicipalgovernmentisprimarily
responsiblefordetectingandconvictingtheviolatoroftheprovisionsofthis
Section,fiftypercentum(50%)ofthefinecollectedshallaccruetosuch
municipalityorcityforthedevelopmentoflocalparks.
Section72.Destructionofwildliferesources.Anypersonviolatingthe
provisionsofSection55ofthisCode,ortheregulationspromulgated
thereunder,shallbefinednotlessthanonehundred(P100.00)pesosfor

eachsuchviolationandinadditionshallbedeniedapermitforaperiodof
three(3)yearsfromthedateoftheviolation.
Section73.Surveybyunauthorizedperson.Imprisonmentfornotlessthan
two(2)normorethanfour(4)years,inadditiontotheconfiscationofthe
implementsusedintheviolationofthissectionincludingthecancellationof
thelicense,ifany,shallbeimposeduponanypersonwhoshall,without
permittosurveyfromtheDirector,enteranyforestlands,whethercovered
byalicenseagreement,lease,license,orpermit,ornot,andconductor
undertakeasurveyforwhateverpurpose.
Section74.Misclassificationandsurveybygovernmentofficialor
employee.Anypublicofficeroremployeewhoknowinglysurveys,classifies,
orrecommendsthereleaseofforestlandsasalienableanddisposablelands
contrarytothecriteriaandstandardsestablishedinthisCode,ortherules
andregulationspromulgatedhereunder,shall,afteranappropriate
administrativeproceeding,bedismissedfromtheservicewithprejudiceto
reemployment,anduponconvictionbyacourtofcompetentjurisdiction,
sufferanimprisonmentofnotlessthanone(1)yearandafineofnotless
thanonethousand,(P1,000.00)pesos.Thesurvey,classificationorrelease
offorestlandsshallbenullandvoid.
Section75.Taxdeclarationonrealproperty.Imprisonmentforaperiodof
notlessthantwo(2)normorethanfour(4)yearsandperpetual
disqualificationfromholdinganelectiveorappointiveoffice,shallbe
imposeduponanypublicofficeroremployeewhoshallissueatax
declarationonrealpropertywithoutacertificationfromtheDirectorof
ForestDevelopmentandtheDirectorofLandsortheirdulydesignated
representativesthattheareadeclaredfortaxationisalienableand
disposablelands,unlessthepropertyistitledorhasbeenoccupiedand
possessedbymembersofthenationalculturalminoritiespriortoJuly4,
1955.
Section76.Coercionandinfluence.Anypersonwhocoerces,influences,
abetsorpersuadesthepublicofficeroremployeereferredtointhetwo
precedingsectionstocommitanyoftheactsmentionedthereinshallsuffer
imprisonmentofnotlessthanone(1)yearandpayafineoffivehundred
(P500.00)pesosforeveryhectareorafractionthereofsoimproperly
surveyed,classifiedorreleased.
Section77.Unlawfulpossessionofimplementsanddevicesusedbyforest
officers.Imprisonmentforaperiodofnotlessthan(2)normorethanfour
(4)yearsandafineofnotlessthanonethousandpesos(P1,000.00),nor
morethantenthousand(P10,000.00)pesosinadditiontotheconfiscation
ofsuchimplementsanddevices,andtheautomaticcancellationofthe

licenseagreement,lease,licenseorpermit,iftheoffenderisaholder
thereof,shallbeimposeduponanypersonwhoshall,withoutauthorityfrom
theDirectororhisauthorizedrepresentative,make,manufacture,orhasin
hispossessionanygovernmentmarking,hatchetorothermarking
implement,oranymarker,poster,orotherdevicesofficiallyusedbyofficers
oftheBureauforthemarkingoridentificationoftimberorotherproducts,
oranyduplicate,counterfeit,orimitationthereof,ormakeorapplya
governmentmarkontimberoranyotherforestproductsbymeansofany
authenticorcounterfeitdevice,oralter,deface,orremovegovernment
marksorsigns,fromtrees,logs,stumps,firewoodsorotherforestproducts,
ordestroy,deface,removeordisfigureanysuchmark,sign,posteror
warningnoticessetbytheBureautodesignatetheboundariesofcutting
areas,municipalorcityforestorpasture,classifiedtimberland,forest
reserve,andareasunderthenationalparksystemortomakeanyfalse
markorimitationofanymarkorsignhereinindicatedProvided,Thatifthe
offenderisacorporation,partnershiporassociation,theofficersand
directorsthereofshallbeliable.
Section78.Payment,collectionandremittanceofforestcharges.Any
personwhofailstopaytheamountdueandpayableundertheprovisionsof
thisCode,theNationalInternalRevenueCode,ortherulesandregulations
promulgatedthereunder,shallbeliabletothepaymentofasurchargeof
twentyfivepercentum(25%)oftheamountdueandpayable.
Anypersonwhofailsorrefusestoremittotheproperauthoritiessaidforest
chargescollectiblepursuanttotheprovisionsofthisCodeortheNational
InternalRevenueCode,orwhodelays,obstructsorpreventsthesame,or
whoorders,causesoreffectsthetransferordiversionofthefundsfor
purposesotherthanthosespecifiedinthisCode,foreachsuchoffenseshall,
uponconviction,bepunishedbyafineofnotexceedingonehundred
thousandpesos(P100,000.00)and/orimprisonmentforaperiodofnot
exceedingsix(6)yearsinthediscretionoftheCourt.Iftheoffenderisa
governmentofficialoremployee,heshall,inaddition,bedismissedfromthe
servicewithprejudicetoreinstatementandwithdisqualificationfromholding
anyelectiveorappointiveoffice.
Iftheoffenderisacorporation,partnershiporassociation,theofficersand
directorsthereofshallbeliable.
Section79.Saleofwoodproducts.Nopersonshallsellorofferforsaleany
log,lumber,plywoodorothermanufacturedwoodproductsinthe
internationalordomesticmarketunlesshecomplieswithgradingrulesand
establishedortobeestablishedbytheGovernment.

Failuretoadheretotheestablishedgradingrulesandstandards,oranyact
offalsificationofthevolumeoflogs,lumber,orotherforestproductsshall
beasufficientcauseforthesuspensionoftheexport,sawmill,orother
licenseorpermitauthorizingthemanufactureorsaleofsuchproductsfora
periodofnotlessthantwo(2)years.
AdulyaccreditedrepresentativeoftheBureaushallcertifytothecompliance
bythelicenseeswithgradingrules.
EverydealerinlumberandotherbuildingmaterialcoveredbythisCode
shallissueaninvoiceforeachsaleofsuchmaterialandsuchinvoiceshall
statethatthekind,standardandsizeofmaterialsoldtoeachpurchaserin
exactlythesameasdescribedintheinvoice.AnyviolationofthisSection
shallbesufficientgroundforthesuspensionofthedealer'slicensefora
periodofnotlessthantwo(2)yearsand,inadditionthereto,thedealer
shallbepunishedforeachsuchoffensebyafineofnotlessthantwo
hundredpesos(P200.00)orthetotalvalueoftheinvoice,whicheveris
greater.
Section80.ArrestInstitutionofcriminalactions.Aforestofficeror
employeeoftheBureaushallarrestevenwithoutwarrantanypersonwho
hascommittedoriscommittinginhispresenceanyoftheoffensesdefined
inthisChapter.Heshallalsoseizeandconfiscate,infavorofthe
Government,thetoolsandequipmentusedincommittingtheoffense,and
theforestproductscut,gatheredortakenbytheoffenderintheprocessof
committingtheoffense.Thearrestingforestofficeroremployeeshall
thereafterdeliverwithinsix(6)hoursfromthetimeofarrestandseizure,
theoffenderandtheconfiscatedforestproducts,toolsandequipmentto,
andfilethepropercomplaintwith,theappropriateofficialdesignatedbylaw
toconductpreliminaryinvestigationsandfileinformationsincourt.
Ifthearrestandseizurearemadeintheforests,farfromtheauthorities
designatedbylawtoconductpreliminaryinvestigations,thedeliveryto,and
filingofthecomplaintwith,thelattershallbedonewithinareasonabletime
sufficientforordinarytravelfromtheplaceofarresttotheplaceofdelivery.
Theseizedproducts,materialsandequipmentshallbeimmediatelydisposed
ofinaccordancewithforestryadministrativeorderspromulgatedbythe
DepartmentHead.
TheDepartmentHeadmaydeputizeanymemberorunitofthePhilippine
Constabulary,policeagency,barangayorbarrioofficial,oranyqualified
persontoprotecttheforestandexercisethepowerorauthorityprovidedfor
intheprecedingparagraph.

Reportsandcomplaintsregardingthecommissionofanyoftheoffenses
definedinthisChapter,notcommittedinthepresenceofanyforestofficer
oremployee,oranyofthedeputizedofficersorofficials,shallimmediately
beinvestigatedbytheforestofficerassignedintheareawheretheoffense
wasallegedlycommitted,whoshallthereuponreceivetheevidence
supportingthereportorcomplaint.
Ifthereisprimafacieevidencetosupportthecomplaintorreport,the
investigatingforestofficershallfilethenecessarycomplaintwiththe
appropriateofficialauthorizedbylawtoconductapreliminaryinvestigation
ofcriminalcasesandfileaninformationinCourt.
SPECIALCLAUSES
Section81.SeparabilityClause.Shouldanyprovisionhereinbe
subsequentlydeclaredunconstitutional,thesameshallnotaffectthevalidity
orthelegalityoftheotherprovisions.
Section82.RepealingClause.PresidentialDecreeNos.330,and389,C.A.
No.452,R.A.No.4715andalllaws,orders,rulesandregulationsorany
partthereofwhichareinconsistentherewithareherebyrepealedor
amendedaccordingly.
Section83.DateofEffectivity.ThisCodeshalltakeeffectimmediatelyupon
promulgation.
DoneintheCityofManila,this19thdayofMay,intheyearofOurLord,
nineteenhundredandseventyfive.

REPUBLICACTNo.10023
ANACTAUTHORIZINGTHEISSUANCEOFFREEPATENTSTO
RESIDENTALLANDS
BeitenactedbytheSenateandHouseofRepresentativesofthePhilippines
inCongressassembled:
Section1.Qualifications.AnyFilipinocitizenwhoisanactualoccupantof
aresidentiallandmayapplyforaFreePatentTitleunderthisAct:Provided
Thatinhighlyurbanizedcities,thelandshouldnotexceedtwohundred
(200)squaremetersinothercities,itshouldnotexceedfivehundred(500)
squaremetersinfirstclassandsecondclassmunicipalities,itshouldnot
exceedsevenhundredfifty(750)squaremetersandinallother
municipalities,itshouldnotexceedonethousand(1,000)square

metersProvided,further,Thatthelandappliedforisnotneededforpublic
serviceand/orpublicuse.
Section2.Coverage.ThisActshallcoveralllandsthatarezonedas
residentialareas,includingtownsitesasdefinedunderthePublicLand
ActProvided,ThatnoneoftheprovisionsofPresidentialDecreeNo.705
shallbeviolated.
Zonedresidentialareaslocatedinsideadelistedmilitaryreservationor
abandonedmilitarycamp,andthoseoflocalgovernmentunits(LGUs)or
townsiteswhichprecededRepublicActNo.7586ortheNationalIntegrated
ProtectedAreasSystem(NIPAS)law,shallalsobecoveredbythisAct.
Section3.Application.Theapplicationonthelandappliedforshallbe
supportedbyamapbasedonanactualsurveyconductedbyalicensed
geodeticengineerandapprovedbytheDepartmentofEnvironmentand
NaturalResources(DENR)andatechnicaldescriptionofthelandappliedfor
togetherwithsupportingaffidavitoftwo(2)disinterestedpersonswhoare
residinginthebarangayofthecityormunicipalitywherethelandislocated,
attestingtothetruthofthefactscontainedintheapplicationtotheeffect
thattheapplicantthereofhas,eitherbyhimselforthroughhis
predecessorininterest,actuallyresidedonandcontinuouslypossessedand
occupied,underabonafideclaimofacquisitionofownership,theland
appliedforatleastten(10)yearsandhascompliedwiththerequirements
prescribedinSection1hereof.
Section4.SpecialPatents.Notwithstandinganyprovisionoflawtothe
contraryandsubjecttoprivaterights,ifany,publiclandactuallyoccupied
andusedforpublicschools,municipalhalls,publicplazasorparksandother
governmentinstitutionsforpublicuseorpurposemaybeissuedspecial
patentsunderthenameofthenationalagencyorLGU
concerned:Provided,Thatalllandstitledunderthissectionshallnotbe
disposedofunlesssanctionedbyCongressifownedbythenationalagency
orsanctionedbythesanggunianconcernedthroughanapprovedordinance
ifownedbytheLGU.
Section5.RemovalofRestrictions.Therestrictionsregarding
encumbrances,conveyances,transfersordispositionsimposedinSections
118,119,121,122and123ofChapterXII,TitleVIofCommonwealthAct
No.141asamended,shallnotapplytopatentsissuedunderthisAct.
Section6.PeriodforApplication.Allapplicationsshallbefiledimmediately
aftertheeffectivityofthisActbeforetheCommunityEnvironmentand
NaturalResourcesOffice(CENRO)oftheDENR.TheCENROismandatedto
processtheapplicationwithinonehundredandtwenty(120)daystoinclude
compliancewiththerequirednoticesandotherlegalrequirements,and
forwardthisrecommendationtotheProvincialEnvironmentandNatural
ResourcesOffice(PENRO),whoshallhavefive(5)daystoapproveor
disapprovethepatent.Incaseofapproval,patentshallbeissuedincaseof

conflictingclaimsamongdifferentclaimants,thepartiesmayseekthe
properjudicialremedies.
1avvphi1

Section7.ImplementingRulesandRegulations.TheDirectoroftheLand
ManagementBureauoftheDepartmentofEnvironmentandNatural
Resources(DENR)shallpromulgaterulesandregulationstocarryoutthe
provisionsofthisAct,andshallseetoitthatsucharegenderresponsive.
Section8.RepealingClause.Alllaws,decrees,executiveorder,executive
issuance'sorlettersofinstruction,rulesandregulationsoranypartthereof
inconsistentwithorcontrarytotheprovisionsofthisActareherebydeemed
repealed,amendedormodifiedaccordingly.
Section9.SeparabilityClause.If,foranyreasonorreasons,anypartor
partsofthisActshallbedeclaredunconstitutionalorinvalidbyany
competentcourt,otherpartsofthisActshallbetherebyshallcontinuetobe
infullforceandeffect.
Section10.EffectivityClause.ThisActshalltakeeffectfifteendays(15)
afteritspublicationintwo(2)nationalnewspapersofgeneraleducation.

BATASPAMBANSABILANG.223

BATASPAMBANSABLG.223ANACTTOHASTENTITLINGOF
RESIDENTIALLANDSOFTHEPUBLICDOMAINBYAUTHORIZINGTHE
GRANTOFFREEPATENTUNDERCERTAINCONDITIONSAND
PROVIDINGFOREXPEDITIOUSCADASTRALANDOTHERJUDICIAL
PROCEEDINGWITHRESPECTTHERETOANDFOROTHERPURPOSES

Section 1.The provisions of any law, rules or regulations to the contrary

notwithstanding, any citizen of the Philippines who is not a registered owner
of a residential land in the same municipality and who, since June 12, 1945
or prior thereto, either by himself or through his bona fide
predecessorininterest, has been actually residing on, and continuously
possessing and occupying, under a bona fide claim of acquisition of
ownership, a parcel of residential land of the public domain, which is
alienable or disposable, and who has paid all the real estate taxes thereon
since June 12, 1945 or prior thereto, shall upon application, be entitled to
have a free patent issued to him for such parcel of land not to exceed three
thousand square meters: Provided, That the land applied for is not needed
for the public service or public use: Provided, further, That no free patent
shall be issued for residential lands located in cities, in capitals of provinces,
in first class, second class third class, and fourth class municipalities, and in
townsite reservations established under Chapter XI of the Public Land Act:
Provided, finally, That none of the provisions of Presidential Decree No. 705

areviolatedbytheissuanceofsuchpatent.

Sec. 2.The application shall be accompanied with a map and technical

description of the land applied for,alongwithsupportingaffidavitsoftwo(2)
disinterested persons who are residents of the municipalitywherethelandis
located, attesting to the truth of the facts contained in the applicationtothe
effect that the applicant thereof has, either by himself or through his
predecessorininterest, actually resided on and continuously possessed and
occupied, under a bona fide claim of acquisition of ownership, the land
applied for since June 12, 1945 or prior thereto, and has complied with the
requirementsprescribedinSectionOnehereof.

All applications for free patent under this Act shall be filed on or before
December31,1987.

The provisions of Section Two and Three of Republic Act Numbered Seven
hundred eightytwo and pertinent provisions of Chapter XIV, Title VI of
Commonwealth Act Numbered One Hundred fortyone, as amended, shall
applytofreepatentapplicationsfiledundertheprovisionsofthisAct.

Legal restrictions on free patent grantedoveragriculturallandsshalllikewise

applytofreepatentgrantedunderthisAct.

The Minister of Natural Resources shall, upon the recommendation of the

Director ofLands,promulgatesuchrulesandregulationsandprescribedsuch
reasonablefeesasmaybenecessarytocarryouttheprovisionsofthisAct.

Sec. 3.In order to hasten the settlement and adjudication of landtitlesover

alienable and disposable lands of the public domain in cadastral proceedings
and to support, among other objectives, the land reform and the housing
programs of the government, the Director of Lands shall immediately
institute cadastral proceedings withinsixtydaysfromtheapprovalofthisAct
in all cities, capitals of provinces, and first class, second class, third class,
andfourthclassmunicipalitiesthathavebeensubjectedtocadastralsurvey.

In all other areas, the Director of Lands shall commence survey and make
plans preparatory to the institution of cadastral proceedings within six
months from approval of this Act, and shall institute cadastral proceedings
withinsixtydaysfromthecompletionofthesurvey.

The Land Registration Commission (National Land Titles and Deeds

Registration Administration) shall issue the decree of registration within
thirty days from receipt of the copy of the order for the issuance of the
decree.

Sec. 4.Any violation of the provisions of this Act or of the rules and
regulations promulgated thereunder shall subject the offender to the same
penaltiesprovidedforinthePublicLandAct.

Sec.5.ThisActshalltakeeffectuponitsapproval.

Approved:April16,1982.(P.B.No.80)

RepublicActNo.6657June10,1988
ANACTINSTITUTINGACOMPREHENSIVEAGRARIANREFORM
PROGRAMTOPROMOTESOCIALJUSTICEANDINDUSTRIALIZATION,
PROVIDINGTHEMECHANISMFORITSIMPLEMENTATION,ANDFOR
OTHERPURPOSES
BeitenactedbytheSenateandHouseofRepresentativesofthePhilippines
inCongressassembled::
CHAPTERI
PreliminaryChapter
Section1.Title.ThisActshallbeknownastheComprehensive
AgrarianReformLawof1988.
Section2.DeclarationofPrinciplesandPolicies.Itisthepolicyof
theStatetopursueaComprehensiveAgrarianReformProgram(CARP).The
welfareofthelandlessfarmersandfarmworkerswillreceivethehighest
considerationtopromotesocialjusticeandtomovethenationtowardsound
ruraldevelopmentandindustrialization,andtheestablishmentofowner
cultivatorshipofeconomicsizefarmsasthebasisofPhilippineagriculture.
Tothisend,amoreequitabledistributionandownershipofland,withdue
regardtotherightsoflandownerstojustcompensationandtotheecological
needsofthenation,shallbeundertakentoprovidefarmersandfarmworkers
withtheopportunitytoenhancetheirdignityandimprovethequalityoftheir
livesthroughgreaterproductivityofagriculturallands.
Theagrarianreformprogramisfoundedontherightoffarmersandregular
farmworkers,whoarelandless,toowndirectlyorcollectivelythelandsthey
tillor,inthecaseofotherfarmworkers,toreceiveajustshareofthefruits
thereof.Tothisend,theStateshallencourageandundertakethejust
distributionofallagriculturallands,subjecttotheprioritiesandretention

limitssetforthinthisAct,havingtakenintoaccountecological,
developmental,andequityconsiderations,andsubjecttothepaymentof
justcompensation.TheStateshallrespecttherightofsmalllandowners,
andshallprovideincentivesforvoluntarylandsharing.
TheStateshallrecognizetherightoffarmers,farmworkersandlandowners,
aswellascooperativesandotherindependentfarmers'organizations,to
participateintheplanning,organization,andmanagementoftheprogram,
andshallprovidesupporttoagriculturethroughappropriatetechnologyand
research,andadequatefinancialproduction,marketingandothersupport
services.
TheStateshallapplytheprinciplesofagrarianreform,orstewardship,
wheneverapplicable,inaccordancewithlaw,inthedispositionorutilization
ofothernaturalresources,includinglandsofthepublicdomain,underlease
orconcession,suitabletoagriculture,subjecttopriorrights,homestead
rightsofsmallsettlersandtherightsofindigenouscommunitiestotheir
ancestrallands.
TheStatemayresettlelandlessfarmersandfarmworkersinitsown
agriculturalestates,whichshallbedistributedtotheminthemanner
providedbylaw.
Bymeansofappropriateincentives,theStateshallencouragetheformation
andmaintenanceofeconomicsizefamilyfarmstobeconstitutedby
individualbeneficiariesandsmalllandowners.
TheStateshallprotecttherightsofsubsistencefishermen,especiallyof
localcommunities,tothepreferentialuseofcommunalmarineandfishing
resources,bothinlandandoffshore.tshallprovidesupporttosuchfishermen
throughappropriatetechnologyandresearch,adequatefinancial,production
andmarketingassistanceandotherservices.TheStateshallalsoprotect,
developandconservesuchresources.Theprotectionshallextendto
offshorefishinggroundsofsubsistencefishermenagainstforeignintrusion.
Fishworkersshallreceiveajustsharefromtheirlaborintheutilizationof
marineandfishingresources.
TheStateshallbeguidedbytheprinciplesthatlandhasasocialfunction
andlandownershiphasasocialresponsibility.Ownersofagriculturallands
havetheobligationtocultivatedirectlyorthroughlaboradministrationthe
landstheyownandtherebymakethelandproductive.
TheStateshallprovideincentivestolandownerstoinvesttheproceedsof
theagrarianreformprogramtopromoteindustrialization,employmentand
privatizationofpublicsectorenterprises.Financialinstrumentsusedas

paymentforlandsshallcontainfeaturesthatshallenhancenegotiabilityand
acceptabilityinthemarketplace.
TheStatemayleaseundevelopedlandsofthepublicdomaintoqualified
entitiesforthedevelopmentofcapitalintensivefarms,andtraditionaland
pioneeringcropsespeciallythoseforexportssubjecttothepriorrightsof
thebeneficiariesunderthisAct.
Section3.Definitions.ForthepurposeofthisAct,unlessthecontext
indicatesotherwise:
(a)AgrarianReformmeansredistributionoflands,regardlessofcrops
orfruitsproduced,tofarmersandregularfarmworkerswhoare
landless,irrespectiveoftenurialarrangement,toincludethetotalityof
factorsandsupportservicesdesignedtolifttheeconomicstatusofthe
beneficiariesandallotherarrangementsalternativetothephysical
redistributionoflands,suchasproductionorprofitsharing,labor
administration,andthedistributionofsharesofstocks,whichwill
allowbeneficiariestoreceiveajustshareofthefruitsofthelandsthey
work.
(b)Agriculture,AgriculturalEnterpriseorAgriculturalActivitymeans
thecultivationofthesoil,plantingofcrops,growingoffruittrees,
raisingoflivestock,poultryorfish,includingtheharvestingofsuch
farmproducts,andotherfarmactivitiesandpracticesperformedbya
farmerinconjunctionwithsuchfarmingoperationsdonebyperson
whethernaturalorjuridical.
(c)AgriculturalLandreferstolanddevotedtoagriculturalactivityas
definedinthisActandnotclassifiedasmineral,forest,residential,
commercialorindustrialland.
(d)AgrarianDisputereferstoanycontroversyrelatingtotenurial
arrangements,whetherleasehold,tenancy,stewardshiporotherwise,
overlandsdevotedtoagriculture,includingdisputesconcerning
farmworkers'associationsorrepresentationofpersonsinnegotiating,
fixing,maintaining,changing,orseekingtoarrangetermsor
conditionsofsuchtenurialarrangements.
Itincludesanycontroversyrelatingtocompensationoflandsacquired
underthisActandothertermsandconditionsoftransferofownership
fromlandownerstofarmworkers,tenantsandotheragrarianreform
beneficiaries,whetherthedisputantsstandintheproximaterelationof

farmoperatorandbeneficiary,landownerandtenant,orlessorand
lessee.
(e)IdleorAbandonedLandreferstoanyagriculturallandnot
cultivated,tilledordevelopedtoproduceanycropnordevotedtoany
specificeconomicpurposecontinuouslyforaperiodofthree(3)years
immediatelypriortothereceiptofnoticeofacquisitionbythe
governmentasprovidedunderthisAct,butdoesnotincludelandthat
hasbecomepermanentlyorregularlydevotedtononagricultural
purposes.tdoesnotincludelandwhichhasbecomeunproductiveby
reasonofforcemajeureoranyotherfortuitousevent,providedthat
priortosuchevent,suchlandwaspreviouslyusedforagriculturalor
othereconomicpurpose.
(f)Farmerreferstoanaturalpersonwhoseprimarylivelihoodis
cultivationoflandortheproductionofagriculturalcrops,eitherby
himself,orprimarilywiththeassistanceofhisimmediatefarm
household,whetherthelandisownedbyhim,orbyanotherperson
underaleaseholdorsharetenancyagreementorarrangementwith
theownerthereof.
(g)Farmworkerisanaturalpersonwhorendersserviceforvalueasan
employeeorlaborerinanagriculturalenterpriseorfarmregardlessof
whetherhiscompensationispaidonadaily,weekly,monthlyor
"pakyaw"basis.Thetermincludesanindividualwhoseworkhas
ceasedasaconsequenceof,orinconnectionwith,apendingagrarian
disputeandwhohasnotobtainedasubstantiallyequivalentand
regularfarmemployment.
(h)RegularFarmworkerisanaturalpersonwhoisemployedona
permanentbasisbyanagriculturalenterpriseorfarm.
(i)SeasonalFarmworkerisanaturalpersonwhoisemployedona
recurrent,periodicorintermittentbasisbyanagriculturalenterpriseor
farm,whetherasapermanentoranonpermanentlaborer,suchas
"dumaan","sacada",andthelike.
(j)OtherFarmworkerisafarmworkerwhodoesnotfallunder
paragraphs(g),(h)and(i).
(k)Cooperativesshallrefertoorganizationscomposedprimarilyof
smallagriculturalproducers,farmers,farmworkers,orotheragrarian
reformbeneficiarieswhovoluntarilyorganizethemselvesforthe
purposeofpoolingland,human,technological,financialorother
economicresources,andoperatedontheprincipleofonemember,

onevote.Ajuridicalpersonmaybeamemberofacooperative,with
thesamerightsanddutiesasanaturalperson.
CHAPTERII
Coverage
Section4.Scope.TheComprehensiveAgrarianReformLawof1989
shallcover,regardlessoftenurialarrangementandcommodityproduced,all
publicandprivateagriculturallands,asprovidedinProclamationNo.131
andExecutiveOrderNo.229,includingotherlandsofthepublicdomain
suitableforagriculture.
MorespecificallythefollowinglandsarecoveredbytheComprehensive
AgrarianReformProgram:
(a)Allalienableanddisposablelandsofthepublicdomaindevotedto
orsuitableforagriculture.Noreclassificationofforestorminerallands
toagriculturallandsshallbeundertakenaftertheapprovalofthisAct
untilCongress,takingintoaccountecological,developmentaland
equityconsiderations,shallhavedeterminedbylaw,thespecificlimits
ofthepublicdomain.
(b)Alllandsofthepublicdomaininexcessofthespecificlimitsas
determinedbyCongressintheprecedingparagraph
(c)AllotherlandsownedbytheGovernmentdevotedtoorsuitablefor
agricultureand
(d)Allprivatelandsdevotedtoorsuitableforagricultureregardlessof
theagriculturalproductsraisedorthatcanberaisedthereon.
Section5.ScheduleofImplementation.Thedistributionofalllands
coveredbythisActshallbeimplementedimmediatelyandcompletedwithin
ten(10)yearsfromtheeffectivitythereof.
Section6.RetentionLimits.ExceptasotherwiseprovidedinthisAct,
nopersonmayownorretain,directlyorindirectly,anypublicorprivate
agriculturalland,thesizeofwhichshallvaryaccordingtofactorsgoverning
aviablefamilysizefarm,suchascommodityproduced,terrain,
infrastructure,andsoilfertilityasdeterminedbythePresidentialAgrarian
ReformCouncil(PARC)createdhereunder,butinnocaseshallretentionby
thelandownerexceedfive(5)hectares.Three(3)hectaresmaybeawarded
toeachchildofthelandowner,subjecttothefollowingqualifications:(1)
thatheisatleastfifteen(15)yearsofageand(2)thatheisactuallytilling
thelandordirectlymanagingthefarm:provided,thatlandownerswhose

landshavebeencoveredbyPresidentialDecreeNo.27shallbeallowedto
keeptheareasoriginallyretainedbythemthereunder:provided,further,
thatoriginalhomesteadgranteesortheirdirectcompulsoryheirswhostill
owntheoriginalhomesteadatthetimeoftheapprovalofthisActshall
retainthesameareasaslongastheycontinuetocultivatesaidhomestead.
Therighttochoosetheareatoberetained,whichshallbecompactor
contiguous,shallpertaintothelandowner:provided,however,thatincase
theareaselectedforretentionbythelandowneristenanted,thetenantshall
havetheoptiontochoosewhethertoremainthereinorbeabeneficiaryin
thesameoranotheragriculturallandwithsimilarorcomparablefeatures.n
casethetenantchoosestoremainintheretainedarea,heshallbe
consideredaleaseholderandshalllosehisrighttobeabeneficiaryunder
thisAct.ncasethetenantchoosestobeabeneficiaryinanotheragricultural
land,heloseshisrightasaleaseholdertothelandretainedbythe
landowner.Thetenantmustexercisethisoptionwithinaperiodofone(1)
yearfromthetimethelandownermanifestshischoiceoftheareafor
retention.
Inallcases,thesecurityoftenureofthefarmersorfarmworkersontheland
priortotheapprovalofthisActshallberespected.
UpontheeffectivityofthisAct,anysale,disposition,lease,management,
contractortransferofpossessionofprivatelandsexecutedbytheoriginal
landownerinviolationoftheActshallbenullandvoid:provided,however,
thatthoseexecutedpriortothisActshallbevalidonlywhenregisteredwith
theRegisterofDeedswithinaperiodofthree(3)monthsaftertheeffectivity
ofthisAct.Thereafter,allRegistersofDeedsshallinformtheDepartmentof
AgrarianReform(DAR)withinthirty(30)daysofanytransactioninvolving
agriculturallandsinexcessoffive(5)hectares.
Section7.Priorities.TheDepartmentofAgrarianReform(DAR)in
coordinationwiththePresidentialAgrarianReformCouncil(PARC)shallplan
andprogramtheacquisitionanddistributionofallagriculturallandsthrough
aperiodoften(10)yearsfromtheeffectivityofthisAct.Landsshallbe
acquiredanddistributedasfollows:
PhaseOne:RiceandcornlandsunderPresidentialDecreeNo.27allidleor
abandonedlandsallprivatelandsvoluntarilyofferedbytheownersfor
agrarianreformalllandsforeclosedbythegovernmentfinancial
institutionsalllandsacquiredbythePresidentialCommissiononGood
Government(PCGG)andallotherlandsownedbythegovernmentdevoted
toorsuitableforagriculture,whichshallbeacquiredanddistributed

immediatelyupontheeffectivityofthisAct,withtheimplementationtobe
completedwithinaperiodofnotmorethanfour(4)years
PhaseTwo:Allalienableanddisposablepublicagriculturallandsallarable
publicagriculturallandsunderagroforest,pastureandagriculturalleases
alreadycultivatedandplantedtocropsinaccordancewithSection6,Article
XIIIoftheConstitutionallpublicagriculturallandswhicharetobeopened
fornewdevelopmentandresettlementandallprivateagriculturallandsin
excessoffifty(50)hectares,insofarastheexcesshectarageisconcerned,
toimplementprincipallytherightsoffarmersandregularfarmworkers,who
arethelandless,toowndirectlyorcollectivelythelandstheytill,whichshall
bedistributedimmediatelyupontheeffectivityofthisAct,withthe
implementationtobecompletedwithinaperiodofnotmorethanfour(4)
years.
PhaseThree:Allotherprivateagriculturallandscommencingwithlarge
landholdingsandproceedingtomediumandsmalllandholdingsunderthe
followingschedule:
(a)Landholdingsabovetwentyfour(24)hectaresuptofifty(50)
hectares,tobeginonthefourth(4th)yearfromtheeffectivityofthis
Actandtobecompletedwithinthree(3)yearsand
(b)Landholdingsfromtheretentionlimituptotwentyfour(24)
hectares,tobeginonthesixth(6th)yearfromtheeffectivityofthis
Actandtobecompletedwithinfour(4)yearstoimplementprincipally
therightoffarmersandregularfarmworkerswhoarelandless,toown
directlyorcollectivelythelandstheytill.
Thescheduleofacquisitionandredistributionofallagriculturallands
coveredbythisprogramshallbemadeinaccordancewiththeaboveorder
ofpriority,whichshallbeprovidedintheimplementingrulestobeprepared
bythePresidentialAgrarianReformCouncil(PARC),takinginto
considerationthefollowingtheneedtodistributelandtothetillersatthe
earliestpracticabletimetheneedtoenhanceagriculturalproductivityand
theavailabilityoffundsandresourcestoimplementandsupportthe
program.
Inanycase,thePARC,uponrecommendationbytheProvincialAgrarian
ReformCoordinatingCommittee(PARCCOM),maydeclarecertainprovinces
orregionasprioritylandreformareas,inwhichtheacquisitionand
distributionofprivateagriculturallandsthereinmaybeimplementedahead
oftheaboveschedules.

Ineffectingthetransferwithintheseguidelines,prioritymustbegivento
landsthataretenanted.
ThePARCshallestablishguidelinestoimplementtheaboveprioritiesand
distributionscheme,includingthedeterminationofwhoarequalified
beneficiaries:provided,thatanownertillermaybeabeneficiaryoftheland
hedoesnotownbutisactuallycultivatingtotheextentofthedifference
betweentheareaofthelandheownsandtheawardceilingofthree(3)
hectares.
Section8.MultinationalCorporations.Alllandsofthepublicdomain
leased,heldorpossessedbymultinationalcorporationsorassociations,and
otherlandsownedbythegovernmentorbygovernmentownedor
controlledcorporations,associations,institutions,orentities,devotedto
existingandoperationalagribusinessoragroindustrialenterprises,
operatedbymultinationalcorporationsandassociations,shallbe
programmedforacquisitionanddistributionimmediatelyupontheeffectivity
ofthisAct,withtheimplementationtobecompletedwithinthree(3)years.
Landscoveredbytheparagraphimmediatelypreceding,underlease,
management,growerorservicecontracts,andthelike,shallbedisposedof
asfollows:
(a)Lease,management,growerorservicecontractscoveringsuch
landscoveringanaggregateareainexcessof1,000hectares,leased
orheldbyforeignindividualsinexcessof500hectaresaredeemed
amendedtoconformwiththelimitssetforthinSection3ofArticleXII
oftheConstitution.
(b)Contractscoveringareasnotinexcessof1,000hectaresinthe
caseofsuchcorporationsandassociations,and500hectares,inthe
caseofsuchindividuals,shallbeallowedtocontinueundertheir
originaltermsandconditionsbutnotbeyondAugust29,1992,ortheir
validtermination,whichevercomessooner,afterwhich,such
agreementsshallcontinueonlywhenconfirmedbytheappropriate
governmentagency.Suchcontractsshalllikewisecontinueevenafter
thelandshasbeentransferredtobeneficiariesorawardeesthereof,
whichtransfershallbeimmediatelycommencedandimplementedand
completedwithintheperiodofthree(3)yearsmentionedinthefirst
paragraphhereof.
(c)Innocasewillsuchleasesandotheragreementsnowbeing
implementedextendbeyondAugust29,1992,whenalllandssubject

hereofshallhavebeendistributedcompletelytoqualifiedbeneficiaries
orawardees.
Suchagreementscancontinuethereafteronlyunderanewcontract
betweenthegovernmentorqualifiedbeneficiariesorawardees,ontheone
hand,andsaidenterprises,ontheother.
Landsleased,heldorpossessedbymultinationalcorporations,ownedby
privateindividualsandprivatenongovernmentalcorporations,associations,
institutionsandentities,citizensofthePhilippines,shallbesubjectto
immediatecompulsoryacquisitionanddistributionupontheexpirationofthe
applicablelease,management,growerorservicecontractineffectasof
August29,1987,orotherwise,uponitsvalidtermination,whichevercomes
sooner,butnotlaterthanafterten(10)yearsfollowingtheeffectivityofthe
Act.Howeverduringthesaidperiodofeffectivity,thegovernmentshalltake
stepstoacquiretheselandsforimmediatedistributionthereafter.
Ingeneral,landsshallbedistributeddirectlytotheindividual
workerbeneficiaries.ncaseitisnoteconomicallyfeasibleandsoundto
dividetheland,thentheyshallformaworkers'cooperativeorassociation
whichwilldealwiththecorporationorbusinessassociationoranyother
properpartyforthepurposeofenteringintoaleaseorgrowersagreement
andforallotherlegitimatepurposes.Untilanewagreementisenteredinto
byandbetweentheworkers'cooperativeorassociationandthecorporation
orbusinessassociationoranyotherproperparty,anyagreementexistingat
thetimethisActtakeseffectbetweentheformerandtheprevious
landownershallberespectedbyboththeworkers'cooperativeorassociation
andthecorporation,business,associationorsuchotherproperparty.nno
caseshalltheimplementationorapplicationofthisActjustifyorresultinthe
reductionofstatusordiminutionofanybenefitsreceivedorenjoyedbythe
workerbeneficiaries,orinwhichtheymayhaveavestedright,atthetime
thisActbecomeseffective.
TheprovisionsofSection32ofthisAct,withregardtoproductionand
incomesharingshallapplytofarmsoperatedbymultinationalcorporations.
Duringthetransitionperiod,thenewownersshallbeassistedintheirefforts
tolearnmoderntechnologyinproduction.Enterpriseswhichshowa
willingnessandcommitmentandgoodfaitheffortstoimpartvoluntarilysuch
advancedtechnologywillbegivenpreferentialtreatmentwherefeasible.
Innocaseshallaforeigncorporation,association,entityorindividualenjoy
anyrightsorprivilegesbetterthanthoseenjoyedbyadomesticcorporation,
association,entityorindividual.

Section9.AncestralLands.ForpurposesofthisAct,ancestrallandsof
eachindigenousculturalcommunityshallinclude,butnotbelimitedto,
landsintheactual,continuousandopenpossessionandoccupationofthe
communityanditsmembers:provided,thattheTorrensSystemsshallbe
respected.
Therightofthesecommunitiestotheirancestrallandsshallbeprotectedto
ensuretheireconomic,socialandculturalwellbeing.nlinewiththe
principlesofselfdeterminationandautonomy,thesystemsofland
ownership,landuse,andthemodesofsettlinglanddisputesofallthese
communitiesmustberecognizedandrespected.
Anyprovisionoflawtothecontrarynotwithstanding,thePARCmaysuspend
theimplementationofthisActwithrespecttoancestrallandsforthe
purposeofidentifyinganddelineatingsuchlands:provided,thatinthe
autonomousregions,therespectivelegislaturesmayenacttheirownlaws
onancestraldomainsubjecttotheprovisionsoftheConstitutionandthe
principlesenunciatedinthisActandothernationallaws.
Section10.ExemptionsandExclusions.Landsactually,directlyand
exclusivelyusedandfoundtobenecessaryforparks,wildlife,forest
reserves,reforestation,fishsanctuariesandbreedinggrounds,watersheds,
andmangroves,nationaldefense,schoolsitesandcampusesincluding
experimentalfarmstationsoperatedbypublicorprivateschoolsfor
educationalpurposes,seedsandseedlingsresearchandpilotproduction
centers,churchsitesandconventsappurtenantthereto,mosquesitesand
Islamiccentersappurtenantthereto,communalburialgroundsand
cemeteries,penalcoloniesandpenalfarmsactuallyworkedbytheinmates,
governmentandprivateresearchandquarantinecentersandalllandswith
eighteenpercent(18%)slopeandover,exceptthosealreadydeveloped
shallbeexemptfromthecoverageoftheAct.
Section11.CommercialFarming.Commercialfarms,whichareprivate
agriculturallandsdevotedtocommerciallivestock,poultryandswineraising,
andaquacultureincludingsaltbeds,fishpondsandprawnponds,fruitfarms,
orchards,vegetableandcutflowerfarms,andcacao,coffeeandrubber
plantations,shallbesubjecttoimmediatecompulsoryacquisitionand
distributionafter(10)yearsfromtheeffectivityoftheAct.nthecaseofnew
farms,thetenyearperiodshallbeginfromthefirstyearofcommercial
productionandoperation,asdeterminedbytheDAR.Duringthetenyear
period,thegovernmentshallinitiatethestepsnecessarytoacquirethese
lands,uponpaymentofjustcompensationforthelandandthe
improvementsthereon,preferablyinfavoroforganizedcooperativesor

associations,whichshallhereaftermanagethesaidlandsforthe
workerbeneficiaries.
IftheDARdeterminesthatthepurposesforwhichthisdefermentisgranted
nolongerexist,suchareasshallautomaticallybesubjecttoredistribution.
TheprovisionsofSection32oftheAct,withregardtoproductionand
incomesharing,shallapplytocommercialfarms.
CHAPTERIII
ImprovementofTenurialandLaborRelations
Section12.DeterminationofLeaseRentals.Inordertoprotectand
improvethetenurialandeconomicstatusofthefarmersintenantedlands
undertheretentionlimitandlandsnotyetacquiredunderthisAct,theDAR
ismandatedtodetermineandfiximmediatelytheleaserentalsthereofin
accordancewithSection34ofRepublicActNo.3844,asamended:provided,
thattheDARshallimmediatelyandperiodicallyreviewandadjusttherental
structurefordifferentcrops,includingriceandcorn,ordifferentregionsin
ordertoimproveprogressivelytheconditionsofthefarmer,tenantor
lessee.
Section13.ProductionSharingPlan.Anyenterpriseadoptingthe
schemeprovidedforinSection32oroperatingunderaproductionventure,
lease,managementcontractorothersimilararrangementandanyfarm
coveredbySections8and11hereofisherebymandatedtoexecutewithin
ninety(90)daysfromtheeffectivityofthisAct,aproductionsharingplan,
underguidelinesprescribedbytheappropriategovernmentagency.
Nothinghereinshallbeconstruedtosanctionthediminutionofanybenefits
suchassalaries,bonuses,leavesandworkingconditionsgrantedtothe
employeebeneficiariesunderexistinglaws,agreements,andvoluntary
practicebytheenterprise,norshalltheenterpriseandits
employeebeneficiariesbepreventedfromenteringintoanyagreementwith
termsmorefavorabletothelatter.
CHAPTERIV
Registration
Section14.RegistrationofLandowners.Withinonehundredeighty
(180)daysfromtheeffectivityofthisAct,allpersons,naturalorjuridical,
includinggovernmententities,thatownorclaimtoownagriculturallands,
whetherintheirnamesorinthenameofothers,exceptthosewhohave
alreadyregisteredpursuanttoExecutiveOrderNo.229,whoshallbe
entitledtosuchincentivesasmaybeprovidedforthePARC,shallfilea

swornstatementintheproperassessor'sofficeintheformtobeprescribed
bytheDAR,statingthefollowinginformation:
(a)thedescriptionandareaoftheproperty
(b)theaveragegrossincomefromthepropertyforatleastthree(3)
years
(c)thenamesofalltenantsandfarmworkerstherein
(d)thecropsplantedinthepropertyandtheareacoveredbyeach
cropasofJune1,1987
(e)thetermsofmortgages,lease,andmanagementcontracts
subsistingasofJune1,1987,and
(f)thelatestdeclaredmarketvalueofthelandasdeterminedbythe
cityorprovincialassessor.
Section15.RegistrationofBeneficiaries.TheDARincoordination
withtheBarangayAgrarianReformCommittee(BARC)asorganizedinthis
Act,shallregisterallagriculturallessees,tenantsandfarmworkerswhoare
qualifiedtobebeneficiariesoftheCARP.Thesepotentialbeneficiarieswith
theassistanceoftheBARCandtheDARshallprovidethefollowingdata:
(a)namesandmembersoftheirimmediatefarmhousehold
(b)ownersoradministratorsofthelandstheyworkonandthelength
oftenurialrelationship
(c)locationandareaofthelandtheywork
(d)cropsplantedand
(e)theirshareintheharvestoramountofrentalpaidorwages
received.
AcopyoftheregistryorlistofallpotentialCARPbeneficiariesinthe
barangayshallbepostedinthebarangayhall,schoolorotherpublic
buildingsinthebarangaywhereitshallbeopentoinspectionbythepublic
atallreasonablehours.
CHAPTERV
LandAcquisition

Section16.ProcedureforAcquisitionofPrivateLands.Forpurposes
ofacquisitionofprivatelands,thefollowingproceduresshallbefollowed:
(a)Afterhavingidentifiedtheland,thelandownersandthe
beneficiaries,theDARshallsenditsnoticetoacquirethelandtothe
ownersthereof,bypersonaldeliveryorregisteredmail,andpostthe
sameinaconspicuousplaceinthemunicipalbuildingandbarangay
halloftheplacewherethepropertyislocated.Saidnoticeshall
containtheofferoftheDARtopayacorrespondingvaluein
accordancewiththevaluationsetforthinSections17,18,andother
pertinentprovisionshereof.
(b)Withinthirty(30)daysfromthedateofreceiptofwrittennoticeby
personaldeliveryorregisteredmail,thelandowner,hisadministrator
orrepresentativeshallinformtheDARofhisacceptanceorrejectionof
theoffer.
(c)IfthelandowneracceptstheofferoftheDAR,theLandBankofthe
Philippines(LBP)shallpaythelandownerthepurchasepriceofthe
landwithinthirty(30)daysafterheexecutesanddeliversadeedof
transferinfavorofthegovernmentandsurrenderstheCertificateof
Titleandothermunimentsoftitle.
(d)Incaseofrejectionorfailuretoreply,theDARshallconduct
summaryadministrativeproceedingstodeterminethecompensation
forthelandrequiringthelandowner,theLBPandotherinterested
partiestosubmitevidenceastothejustcompensationfortheland,
withinfifteen(15)daysfromthereceiptofthenotice.Afterthe
expirationoftheaboveperiod,thematterisdeemedsubmittedfor
decision.TheDARshalldecidethecasewithinthirty(30)daysafterit
issubmittedfordecision.
(e)Uponreceiptbythelandownerofthecorrespondingpaymentor,in
caseofrejectionornoresponsefromthelandowner,uponthedeposit
withanaccessiblebankdesignatedbytheDARofthecompensationin
cashorinLBPbondsinaccordancewiththisAct,theDARshalltake
immediatepossessionofthelandandshallrequesttheproperRegister
ofDeedstoissueaTransferCertificateofTitle(TCT)inthenameof
theRepublicofthePhilippines.TheDARshallthereafterproceedwith
theredistributionofthelandtothequalifiedbeneficiaries.
(f)Anypartywhodisagreeswiththedecisionmaybringthematterto
thecourtofproperjurisdictionforfinaldeterminationofjust
compensation.

CHAPTERVI
Compensation
Section17.DeterminationofJustCompensation.Indeterminingjust
compensation,thecostofacquisitionoftheland,thecurrentvalueofthe
likeproperties,itsnature,actualuseandincome,theswornvaluationbythe
owner,thetaxdeclarations,andtheassessmentmadebygovernment
assessorsshallbeconsidered.Thesocialandeconomicbenefitscontributed
bythefarmersandthefarmworkersandbytheGovernmenttotheproperty
aswellasthenonpaymentoftaxesorloanssecuredfromanygovernment
financinginstitutiononthesaidlandshallbeconsideredasadditionalfactors
todetermineitsvaluation.
Section18.ValuationandModeofCompensation.TheLBPshall
compensatethelandownerinsuchamountsasmaybeagreeduponbythe
landownerandtheDARandtheLBP,inaccordancewiththecriteriaprovided
forinSections16and17,andotherpertinentprovisionshereof,orasmay
befinallydeterminedbythecourt,asthejustcompensationfortheland.
Thecompensationshallbepaidononeofthefollowingmodes,attheoption
ofthelandowner:
(1)Cashpayment,underthefollowingtermsandconditions
(a)Forlandsabovefifty(50)
hectares,insofarasthe
excesshectarageis
concerned.

Twentyfivepercent(25%)
cash,thebalancetobepaid
ingovernmentfinancial
instrumentsnegotiableat
anytime.

(b)Forlandsabove
twentyfour(24)hectares
anduptofifty(50)hectares.

Thirtypercent(30%)cash,
thebalancetobepaidin
governmentfinancial
instrumentsnegotiableat
anytime.

(c)Forlandstwentyfour
(24)hectaresandbelow.

Thirtyfivepercent(35%)
cash,thebalancetobepaid
ingovernmentfinancial
instrumentsnegotiableat
anytime.

(2)Sharesofstockingovernmentownedorcontrolledcorporations,
LBPpreferredshares,physicalassetsorotherqualifiedinvestmentsin
accordancewithguidelinessetbythePARC
(3)Taxcreditswhichcanbeusedagainstanytaxliability
(4)LBPbonds,whichshallhavethefollowingfeatures:
(a)Marketinterestratesalignedwith91daytreasurybillrates.
Tenpercent(10%)ofthefacevalueofthebondsshallmature
everyyearfromthedateofissuanceuntilthetenth(10th)year:
provided,thatshouldthelandownerchoosetoforegothecash
portion,whetherinfullorinpart,heshallbepaid
correspondinglyinLBPbonds
(b)Transferabilityandnegotiability.SuchLBPbondsmaybe
usedbythelandowner,hissuccessorsininterestorhisassigns,
uptotheamountoftheirfacevalue,foranyofthefollowing:
(i)Acquisitionoflandorotherrealpropertiesofthe
government,includingassetsundertheAssetPrivatization
Programandotherassetsforeclosedbygovernment
financialinstitutionsinthesameprovinceorregionwhere
thelandsforwhichthebondswerepaidaresituated
(ii)Acquisitionofsharesofstockofgovernmentownedor
controlledcorporationsorsharesofstocksownedbythe
governmentinprivatecorporations
(iii)Substitutionforsuretyorbailbondsfortheprovisional
releaseofaccusedpersons,orperformancebonds
(iv)Securityforloanswithanygovernmentfinancial
institution,providedtheproceedsoftheloansshallbe
investedinaneconomicenterprise,preferablyina
smallandmediumscaleindustry,inthesameprovinceor
regionasthelandforwhichthebondsarepaid
(v)Paymentforvarioustaxesandfeestogovernment
provided,thattheuseofthesebondsforthesepurposes
willbelimitedtoacertainpercentageoftheoutstanding
balanceofthefinancialinstruments:provided,further,
thatthePARCshalldeterminethepercentagementioned
above

(vi)Paymentfortuitionfeesoftheimmediatefamilyofthe
originalbondholderingovernmentuniversities,colleges,
tradeschools,andotherinstitutions
(vii)Paymentforfeesoftheimmediatefamilyofthe
originalbondholderingovernmenthospitalsand
(viii)SuchotherusesasthePARCmayfromtimetotime
allow.
Incaseofextraordinaryinflation,thePARCshalltakeappropriatemeasures
toprotecttheeconomy.
Section19.IncentivesforVoluntaryOffersforSales.Landowners,
otherthanbanksandotherfinancialinstitutions,whovoluntarilyoffertheir
landsforsaleshallbeentitledtoanadditionalfivepercent(5%)cash
payment.
Section20.VoluntaryLandTransfer.Landownersofagriculturallands
subjecttoacquisitionunderthisActmayenterintoavoluntaryarrangement
fordirecttransferoftheirlandstoqualifiedbeneficiariessubjecttothe
followingguidelines:
(a)Allnoticesforvoluntarylandtransfermustbesubmittedtothe
DARwithinthefirstyearoftheimplementationoftheCARP.
Negotiationsbetweenthelandownersandqualifiedbeneficiaries
coveringanyvoluntarylandtransferwhichremainunresolvedafter
one(1)yearshallnotberecognizedandsuchlandshallinsteadbe
acquiredbythegovernmentandtransferredpursuanttothisAct.
(b)Thetermsandconditionsofsuchtransfershallnotbeless
favorabletothetransfereethanthoseofthegovernment'sstanding
offertopurchasefromthelandownerandtoreselltothebeneficiaries,
ifsuchoffershavebeenmadeandarefullyknowntobothparties.
(c)Thevoluntaryagreementshallincludesanctionsfor
noncompliancebyeitherpartyandshallbedulyrecordedandits
implementationmonitoredbytheDAR.
Section21.PaymentofCompensationbyBeneficiariesUnder
VoluntaryLandTransfer.Directpaymentsincashorinkindmaybeby
thefarmerbeneficiarytothelandownerundertermstobemutuallyagreed
uponbybothparties,whichshallbebindinguponthem,uponregistration
withtheapprovalbytheDAR.Saidapprovalshallbeconsideredgiven,

unlessnoticeofdisapprovalisreceivedbythefarmerbeneficiarywithin
thirty(30)daysfromthedateofregistration.
Intheeventtheycannotagreeonthepriceofland,theprocedurefor
compulsoryacquisitionasprovidedinSection16shallapply.TheLBPshall
extendfinancingtothebeneficiariesforpurposesofacquiringtheland.
CHAPTERVII
LandRedistribution
Section22.QualifiedBeneficiaries.ThelandscoveredbytheCARP
shallbedistributedasmuchaspossibletolandlessresidentsofthesame
barangay,orintheabsencethereof,landlessresidentsofthesame
municipalityinthefollowingorderofpriority:
(a)agriculturallesseesandsharetenants
(b)regularfarmworkers
(c)seasonalfarmworkers
(d)otherfarmworkers
(e)actualtillersoroccupantsofpubliclands
(f)collectivesorcooperativesoftheabovebeneficiariesand
(g)othersdirectlyworkingontheland.
Provided,however,thatthechildrenoflandownerswhoarequalifiedunder
Section6ofthisActshallbegivenpreferenceinthedistributionoftheland
oftheirparents:andprovided,further,thatactualtenanttillersinthe
landholdingsshallnotbeejectedorremovedtherefrom.
BeneficiariesunderPresidentialDecreeNo.27whohaveculpablysold,
disposedof,orabandonedtheirlandaredisqualifiedtobecomebeneficiaries
underthisProgram.
Abasicqualificationofabeneficiaryshallbehiswillingness,aptitude,and
abilitytocultivateandmakethelandasproductiveaspossible.TheDAR
shalladoptasystemofmonitoringtherecordorperformanceofeach
beneficiary,sothatanybeneficiaryguiltyofnegligenceormisuseoftheland
oranysupportextendedtohimshallforfeithisrighttocontinueassuch

beneficiary.TheDARshallsubmitperiodicreportsontheperformanceofthe
beneficiariestothePARC.
If,duetothelandowner'sretentionrightsortothenumberoftenants,
lessees,orworkersontheland,thereisnotenoughlandtoaccommodate
anyorsomeofthem,theymaybegrantedownershipofotherlands
availablefordistributionunderthisAct,attheoptionofthebeneficiaries.
Farmersalreadyinplaceandthosenotaccommodatedinthedistributionof
privatelyownedlandswillbegivenpreferentialrightsinthedistributionof
landsfromthepublicdomain.
Section23.DistributionLimit.Noqualifiedbeneficiarymayownmore
thanthree(3)hectaresofagriculturalland.
Section24.AwardtoBeneficiaries.Therightsandresponsibilitiesof
thebeneficiaryshallcommencefromthetimetheDARmakesanawardof
thelandtohim,whichawardshallbecompletedwithinonehundredeighty
(180)daysfromthetimetheDARtakesactualpossessionoftheland.
OwnershipofthebeneficiaryshallbeevidencedbyaCertificateofLand
OwnershipAward,whichshallcontaintherestrictionsandconditions
providedforinthisAct,andshallberecordedintheRegisterofDeeds
concernedandannotatedontheCertificateofTitle.
Section25.AwardCeilingsforBeneficiaries.Beneficiariesshallbe
awardedanareanotexceedingthree(3)hectareswhichmaycovera
contiguoustractoflandorseveralparcelsoflandcumulateduptothe
prescribedawardlimits.
ForpurposesofthisAct,alandlessbeneficiaryisonewhoownslessthan
three(3)hectaresofagriculturalland.
Thebeneficiariesmayoptforcollectiveownership,suchascoownershipor
farmerscooperativeorsomeotherformofcollectiveorganization:provided,
thatthetotalareathatmaybeawardedshallnotexceedthetotalnumberof
coownersormemberofthecooperativeorcollectiveorganizationmultiplied
bytheawardlimitaboveprescribed,exceptinmeritoriouscasesas
determinedbythePARC.Titletothepropertyshallbeissuedinthenameof
thecoownersorthecooperativeorcollectiveorganizationasthecasemay
be.
Section26.PaymentbyBeneficiaries.Landsawardedpursuanttothis
ActshallbepaidforbythebeneficiariestotheLBPinthirty(30)annual
amortizationsatsixpercent(6%)interestperannum.Thepaymentsforthe
firstthree(3)yearsaftertheawardmaybeatreducedamountsas

establishedbythePARC:provided,thatthefirstfive(5)annualpayments
maynotbemorethanfivepercent(5%)ofthevalueoftheannualgross
productionasestablishedbytheDAR.Shouldthescheduledannual
paymentsafterthefifthyearexceedtenpercent(10%)oftheannualgross
productionandthefailuretoproduceaccordinglyisnotduetothe
beneficiary'sfault,theLBPmayreducetheinterestrateorreducethe
principalobligationstomaketherepaymentaffordable.
TheLBPshallhavealienbywayofmortgageonthelandawardedtothe
beneficiaryandthismortgagemaybeforeclosedbytheLBPfor
nonpaymentofanaggregateofthree(3)annualamortizations.TheLBP
shalladvisetheDARofsuchproceedingsandthelattershallsubsequently
awardtheforfeitedlandholdingstootherqualifiedbeneficiaries.A
beneficiarywhoseland,asprovidedherein,hasbeenforeclosedshall
thereafterbepermanentlydisqualifiedfrombecomingabeneficiaryunder
thisAct.
Section27.TransferabilityofAwardedLands.Landsacquiredby
beneficiariesunderthisActmaynotbesold,transferredorconveyedexcept
throughhereditarysuccession,ortothegovernment,ortheLBP,ortoother
qualifiedbeneficiariesforaperiodoften(10)years:provided,however,that
thechildrenorthespouseofthetransferorshallhavearighttorepurchase
thelandfromthegovernmentorLBPwithinaperiodoftwo(2)years.Due
noticeoftheavailabilityofthelandshallbegivenbytheLBPtothe
BarangayAgrarianReformCommittee(BARC)ofthebarangaywherethe
landissituated.TheProvincialAgrarianReformCoordinatingCommittee
(PARCCOM)ashereinprovided,shall,inturn,begivenduenoticethereofby
theBARC.
Ifthelandhasnotyetbeenfullypaidbythebeneficiary,therightstothe
landmaybetransferredorconveyed,withpriorapprovaloftheDAR,toany
heirofthebeneficiaryortoanyotherbeneficiarywho,asaconditionfor
suchtransferorconveyance,shallcultivatethelandhimself.Failing
complianceherewith,thelandshallbetransferredtotheLBPwhichshall
giveduenoticeoftheavailabilityofthelandinthemannerspecifiedinthe
immediatelyprecedingparagraph.
IntheeventofsuchtransfertotheLBP,thelattershallcompensatethe
beneficiaryinonelumpsumfortheamountsthelatterhasalreadypaid,
togetherwiththevalueofimprovementshehasmadeontheland.
Section28.StandingCropsattheTimeofAcquisition.The
landownershallretainhisshareofanystandingcropsunharvestedatthe

timetheDARshalltakepossessionofthelandunderSection16oftheAct,
andshallbegivenareasonabletimetoharvestthesame.
CHAPTERVIII
CorporateFarms
Section29.FarmsOwnedorOperatedbyCorporationsorOther
BusinessAssociations.Inthecaseoffarmsownedoroperatedby
corporationsorotherbusinessassociations,thefollowingrulesshallbe
observedbythePARC:
Ingeneral,landsshallbedistributeddirectlytotheindividual
workerbeneficiaries.
Incaseitisnoteconomicallyfeasibleandsoundtodividetheland,thenit
shallbeownedcollectivelybytheworkers'cooperativeorassociationwhich
willdealwiththecorporationorbusinessassociation.Untilanewagreement
isenteredintobyandbetweentheworkers'cooperativeorassociationand
thecorporationorbusinessassociation,anyagreementexistingatthetime
thisActtakeseffectbetweentheformerandthepreviouslandownershallbe
respectedbyboththeworkers'cooperativeorassociationandthe
corporationorbusinessassociation.
Section30.HomelotsandFarmlotsforMembersofCooperatives.
Theindividualmembersofthecooperativesorcorporationsmentionedinthe
precedingsectionshallbeprovidedwithhomelotsandsmallfarmlotsfor
theirfamilyuse,tobetakenfromthelandownedbythecooperativeor
corporation.
Section31.CorporateLandowners.Corporatelandownersmay
voluntarilytransferownershipovertheiragriculturallandholdingstothe
RepublicofthePhilippinespursuanttoSection20hereofortoqualified
beneficiaries,undersuchtermsandconditions,consistentwiththisAct,as
theymayagreeupon,subjecttoconfirmationbytheDAR.
UponcertificationbytheDAR,corporationsowningagriculturallandsmay
givetheirqualifiedbeneficiariestherighttopurchasesuchproportionofthe
capitalstockofthecorporationthattheagriculturalland,actuallydevotedto
agriculturalactivities,bearsinrelationtothecompany'stotalassets,under
suchtermsandconditionsasmaybeagreeduponbythem.nnocaseshall
thecompensationreceivedbytheworkersatthetimethesharesofstocks
aredistributedbereduced.Thesameprincipleshallbeappliedto
associations,withrespecttotheirequityorparticipation.

Corporationsorassociationswhichvoluntarilydivestaproportionoftheir
capitalstock,equityorparticipationinfavoroftheirworkersorother
qualifiedbeneficiariesunderthissectionshallbedeemedtohavecomplied
withtheprovisionsoftheAct:provided,thatthefollowingconditionsare
compliedwith:
a)Inordertosafeguardtherightofbeneficiarieswhoownsharesof
stockstodividendsandotherfinancialbenefits,thebooksofthe
corporationorassociationshallbesubjecttoperiodicauditbycertified
publicaccountantschosenbythebeneficiaries
b)Irrespectiveofthevalueoftheirequityinthecorporationor
association,thebeneficiariesshallbeassuredofatleastone(1)
representativeintheboardofdirectors,orinamanagementor
executivecommittee,ifoneexists,ofthecorporationorassociation
and
c)Anysharesacquiredbysuchworkersandbeneficiariesshallhave
thesamerightsandfeaturesasallothershares.
d)Anytransferofsharesofstocksbytheoriginalbeneficiariesshallbe
voidabinitiounlesssaidtransactionisinfavorofaqualifiedand
registeredbeneficiarywithinthesamecorporation.
Ifwithintwo(2)yearsfromtheapprovalofthisAct,thelandorstock
transferenvisionedaboveisnotmadeorrealizedortheplanforsuchstock
distributionapprovedbythePARCwithinthesameperiod,theagricultural
landofthecorporateownersorcorporationshallbesubjecttothe
compulsorycoverageofthisAct.
Section32.ProductionSharing.Pendingfinallandtransfer,individuals
orentitiesowning,oroperatingunderleaseormanagementcontract,
agriculturallandsareherebymandatedtoexecuteaproductionsharingplan
withtheirfarmworkersorfarmworkers'reorganization,ifany,whereby
threepercent(3%)ofthegrosssalesfromtheproductionofsuchlandsare
distributedwithinsixty(60)daysoftheendofthefiscalyearas
compensationtoregularandotherfarmworkersinsuchlandsoverand
abovethecompensationtheycurrentlyreceive:provided,thatthese
individualsorentitiesrealizegrosssalesinexcessoffivemillionpesosper
annumunlesstheDAR,uponproperapplication,determinesalowerceiling.
Intheeventthattheindividualorentityrealizesaprofit,anadditionalten
percent(10%)ofthenetprofitaftertaxshallbedistributedtosaidregular
andotherfarmworkerswithinninety(90)daysoftheendofthefiscalyear.

Toforestallanydisruptioninthenormaloperationoflandstobeturnedover
tothefarmworkerbeneficiariesmentionedabove,atransitoryperiod,the
lengthofwhichshallbedeterminedbytheDAR,shallbeestablished.
Duringthistransitoryperiod,atleastonepercent(1%)ofthegrosssalesof
theentityshallbedistributedtothemanagerial,supervisoryandtechnical
groupinplaceatthetimeoftheeffectivityofthisAct,ascompensationfor
suchtransitorymanagerialandtechnicalfunctionsasitwillperform,
pursuanttoanagreementthatthefarmworkerbeneficiariesandthe
managerial,supervisoryandtechnicalgroupmayconclude,subjecttothe
approvaloftheDAR.
Section33.PaymentofSharesofCooperativeorAssociation.
Sharesofacooperativeorassociationacquiredbyfarmersbeneficiariesor
workersbeneficiariesshallbefullypaidforinanamountcorrespondingto
thevaluationasdeterminedintheimmediatelysucceedingsection.The
landownerandtheLBPshallassistthefarmersbeneficiariesand
workersbeneficiariesinthepaymentforsaidsharesbyprovidingcredit
financing.
Section34.ValuationofLands.Avaluationschemeforthelandshall
beformulatedbythePARC,takingintoaccountthefactorsenumeratedin
Section17,inadditiontotheneedtostimulatethegrowthofcooperatives
andtheobjectiveoffosteringresponsibleparticipationofthe
workersbeneficiariesinthecreationofwealth.
Inthedeterminationofpricethatisjustnotonlytotheindividualsbutto
societyaswell,thePARCshallconsultcloselywiththelandownerandthe
workersbeneficiaries.
Incaseofdisagreement,thepriceasdeterminedbythePARC,ifaccepted
bytheworkersbeneficiaries,shallbefollowed,withoutprejudicetothe
landowner'srighttopetitiontheSpecialAgrarianCourttoresolvetheissue
ofvaluation.
CHAPTERIX
SupportServices
Section35.CreationofSupportServicesOffice.Thereishereby
createdtheOfficeofSupportServicesundertheDARtobeheadedbyan
Undersecretary.

TheOfficeshallprovidegeneralsupportandcoordinativeservicesinthe
implementationoftheprogramparticularlyincarryingouttheprovisionsof
thefollowingservicestofarmerbeneficiariesandaffectedlandowners:
1)Irrigationfacilities,especiallysecondcropordryseasonirrigation
facilities
2)Infrastructuredevelopmentandpublicworksprojectsinareasand
settlementsthatcomeunderagrarianreform,andforthispurpose,
thepreparationofthephysicaldevelopmentplanofsuchsettlements
providingsuitablebarangaysites,potablewaterandpowerresources,
irrigationsystemsandotherfacilitiesforasoundagricultural
developmentplan
3)Governmentsubsidiesfortheuseofirrigationfacilities
4)Pricesupportandguaranteeforallagriculturalproduce
5)Extendingtosmalllandowners,farmers'organizationsthe
necessarycredit,likeconcessionalandcollateralfreeloans,for
agroindustrializationbasedonsocialcollateralsliketheguaranteesof
farmers'organization:
6)Promoting,developingandextendingfinancialassistanceto
smallandmediumscaleindustriesinagrarianreformareas
7)Assigningsufficientnumbersofagriculturalextensionworkersto
farmers'organizations
8)Undertakeresearch,developmentanddisseminationofinformation
onagrarianreformandlowcostandecologicallysoundfarminputs
andtechnologiestominimizerelianceonexpensiveandimported
agriculturalinputs
9)Developmentofcooperativemanagementskillsthroughintensive
training
10)Assistanceintheidentificationofreadymarketsforagricultural
produceandtraininginothervariousprospectsofmarketingandtai
11)Administrationoperationmanagementandfundingofsupport
services,programsandprojectsincludingpilotprojectsandmodels
relatedtoagrarianreformasdevelopedbytheDAR.

Section36.FundingforSupportServices.Inordertocoverthe
expensesandcostofsupportservices,atleasttwentyfivepercent(25%)of
allappropriationsforagrarianreformshallbeimmediatelysetasideand
madeavailableforthispurpose.naddition,theDARshallbeauthorizedto
packageproposalsandreceivegrants,aidandotherformsoffinancial
assistancefromanysource.
Section37.SupportServicestotheBeneficiaries.ThePARCshall
ensurethatsupportservicestofarmersbeneficiariesareprovided,suchas:
(a)Landsurveysandtitling
(b)Liberalizedtermsoncreditfacilitiesandproductionloans
(c)Extensionservicesbywayofplanting,cropping,productionand
postharvesttechnologytransfer,aswellasmarketingand
managementassistanceandsupporttocooperativesandfarmers'
organizations
(d)Infrastructuresuchasaccesstrails,minidams,publicutilities,
marketingandstoragefacilitiesand
(e)Research,productionanduseoforganicfertilizersandotherlocal
substancesnecessaryinfarmingandcultivation.
ThePARCshallformulatepoliciestoensurethatsupportservicesto
farmerbeneficiariesshallbeprovidedatallstagesoflandreform.
TheBagongKilusangKabuhayansaKaunlaran(BKKK)Secretariatshallbe
transferredandattachedtotheLBP,foritssupervisionincludingallits
applicableandexistingfunds,personnel,properties,equipmentandrecords.
Misuseordiversionofthefinancialandsupportserviceshereinprovided
shallresultinsanctionsagainstthebeneficiaryguiltythereof,includingthe
forfeitureofthelandtransferredtohimorlessersanctionsasmaybe
providedbythePARC,withoutprejudicetocriminalprosecution.
Section38.SupportServicestoLandowners.ThePARCwiththe
assistanceofsuchothergovernmentagenciesandinstrumentalitiesasit
maydirect,shallprovidelandownersaffectedbytheCARPandprioragrarian
reformprogramswiththefollowingservices:
(a)Investmentinformationfinancialandcounselingassistance

(b)Facilities,programsandschemesfortheconversionorexchangeof
bondsissuedforpaymentofthelandsacquiredwithstocksandbonds
issuedbytheNationalGovernment,theCentralBankandother
governmentinstitutionsandinstrumentalities
(c)MarketingofLBPbonds,aswellaspromotingthemarketabilityof
saidbondsintraditionalandnontraditionalfinancialmarketsand
stockexchangesand
(d)Otherservicesdesignedtoutilizeproductivelytheproceedsofthe
saleofsuchlandsforruralindustrialization.
Alandownerwhoinvestsinruralbasedindustriesshallbeentitledtothe
incentivesgrantedtoaregisteredenterpriseengagedinapioneeror
preferredareaofinvestmentasprovidedforintheOmnibusInvestment
Codeof1987,ortosuchotherincentivesasthePARC,theLBP,orother
governmentfinancialinstitutionsmayprovide.
TheLBPshallredeemalandowner'sLBPbondsatfacevalue,providedthat
theproceedsthereofshallbeinvestedinaBOIregisteredcompanyorinany
agribusinessoragroindustrialenterpriseintheregionwherethelandowner
haspreviouslymadeinvestments,totheextentofthirtypercent(30%)of
thefacevalueofsaidLBPbonds,subjecttoguidelinesthatshallbeissued
bytheLBP.
Section39.LandConsolidation.TheDARshallcarryoutland
consolidationprojectstopromoteequaldistributionoflandholdings,to
providetheneededinfrastructuresinagriculture,andtoconservesoil
fertilityandpreventerosion.
CHAPTERX
SpecialAreasofConcern
Section40.SpecialAreasofConcern.Asanintegralpartofthe
ComprehensiveAgrarianReformProgram,thefollowingprinciplesinthese
specialareasofconcernshallbeobserved:
(1)SubsistenceFishing.Smallfisherfolk,includingseaweed
farmers,shallbeassuredofgreateraccesstotheutilizationofwater
resources.
(2)LoggingandMiningConcessions.Subjecttotherequirementof
abalancedecologyandconservationofwaterresources,suitable
areas,asdeterminedbytheDepartmentofEnvironmentandNatural
Resources(DENR),inlogging,miningandpastureareas,shallbe

openedupforagrariansettlementswhosebeneficiariesshallbe
requiredtoundertakereforestationandconservationproduction
methods.Subjecttoexistinglaws,rulesandregulations,settlersand
membersoftribalcommunitiesshallbeallowedtoenjoyandexploit
theproductsoftheforestotherthantimerwithinthelogging
concessions.
(3)SparselyOccupiedPublicAgriculturalLands.Sparselyoccupied
agriculturallandsofthepublicdomainshallbesurveyed,proclaimed
anddevelopedasfarmsettlementsforqualifiedlandlesspeoplebased
onanorganizedprogramtoensuretheirorderlyandearly
development.
Agriculturallandallocationsshallbemadeforidealfamilysizefarms
asdeterminedbythePARC.Pioneersandothersettlersshallbe
treatedequallyineveryrespect.
Subjecttothepriorrightsofqualifiedbeneficiaries,uncultivatedlands
ofthepublicdomainshallbemadeavailableonaleasebasisto
interestedandqualifiedparties.Partieswhowillengagedinthe
developmentofcapitalintensive,traditionalorpioneeringcropsshall
begivenpriority.
Theleaseperiod,whichshallnotbemorethanatotaloffifty(50)
years,shallbeproportionatetotheamountofinvestmentand
productiongoalsofthelessee.Asystemofevaluationandauditshall
beinstituted.
(4)Idle,Abandoned,ForeclosedandSequesteredLands.Idle,
abandoned,foreclosedandsequesteredlandsshallbeplannedfor
distributionashomelotsandfamilysizefarmlotstoactualoccupants.f
landareapermits,otherlandlessfamiliesshallbeaccommodatedin
theselands.
(5)RuralWomen.Allqualifiedwomenmembersoftheagricultural
laborforcemustbeguaranteedandassuredequalrighttoownership
oftheland,equalsharesofthefarm'sproduce,andrepresentationin
advisoryorappropriatedecisionmakingbodies.
(6)VeteransandRetirees.InaccordancewithSection7ofArticle
XVIoftheConstitution,landlesswarveteransandveteransofmilitary
campaigns,theirsurvivingspouseandorphans,retireesoftheArmed
ForcesofthePhilippines(AFP)andtheIntegratedNationalPolice
(INP),returnees,surrenderees,andsimilarbeneficiariesshallbegiven

dueconsiderationinthedispositionofagriculturallandsofthepublic
domain.
(7)AgricultureGraduates.Graduatesofagriculturalschoolswhoare
landlessshallbeassistedbythegovernment,throughtheDAR,in
theirdesiretoownandtillagriculturallands.
CHAPTERXI
ProgramImplementation
Section41.ThePresidentialAgrarianReformCouncil.The
PresidentialAgrarianReformCouncil(PARC)shallbecomposedofthe
PresidentofthePhilippinesasChairman,theSecretaryofAgrarianReform
asViceChairmanandthefollowingasmembersSecretariesofthe
DepartmentsofAgricultureEnvironmentandNaturalResourcesBudget
andManagementLocalGovernment:PublicWorksandHighwaysTrade
andIndustryFinanceLaborandEmploymentDirectorGeneralofthe
NationalEconomicandDevelopmentAuthorityPresident,LandBankofthe
PhilippinesAdministrator,NationalIrrigationAdministrationandthree(3)
representativesofaffectedlandownerstorepresentLuzon,Visayasand
Mindanaosix(6)representativesofagrarianreformbeneficiaries,two(2)
eachfromLuzon,VisayasandMindanao,providedthatoneofthemshallbe
fromtheculturalcommunities.
Section42.ExecutiveCommittee.ThereshallbeanExecutive
Committee(EXCOM)ofthePARCcomposedoftheSecretaryoftheDARas
Chairman,andsuchothermembersasthePresidentmaydesignate,taking
intoaccountArticleXIII,Section5oftheConstitution.Unlessotherwise
directedbyPARC,theEXCOMmaymeetanddecideonanyandallmatters
inbetweenmeetingsofthePARC:provided,however,thatitsdecisions
mustbereportedtothePARCimmediatelyandnotlaterthanthenext
meeting.
Section43.Secretariat.APARCSecretariatisherebyestablishedto
providegeneralsupportandcoordinativeservicessuchasinteragency
linkagesprogramandprojectappraisalandevaluationandgeneral
operationsmonitoringforthePARC.
TheSecretariatshallbeheadedbytheSecretaryofAgrarianReformwho
shallbeassistedbyanUndersecretaryandsupportedbyastaffwhose
compositionshallbedeterminedbythePARCExecutiveCommitteeand
whosecompensationshallbechargeableagainsttheAgrarianReformFund.
AllofficersandemployeesoftheSecretariatshallbeappointedbythe
SecretaryofAgrarianReform.

Section44.ProvincialAgrarianReformCoordinatingCommittee
(PARCCOM).AProvincialAgrarianReformCoordinatingCommittee
(PARCCOM)isherebycreatedineachprovince,composedofaChairman,
whoshallbeappointedbythePresidentupontherecommendationofthe
EXCOM,theProvincialAgrarianReformOfficerasExecutiveOfficer,andone
representativeeachfromtheDepartmentsofAgriculture,andof
EnvironmentandNaturalResourcesandfromtheLBP,onerepresentative
eachfromexistingfarmers'organizations,agriculturalcooperativesand
nongovernmentalorganizationsintheprovincetworepresentativesfrom
landowners,atleastoneofwhomshallbeaproducerrepresentingthe
principalcropoftheprovince,andtworepresentativesfromfarmerand
farmworkerbeneficiaries,atleastoneofwhomshallbeafarmeror
farmworkerrepresentingtheprincipalcropoftheprovince,asmembers:
provided,thatinareaswherethereareculturalcommunities,thelattershall
likewisehaveonerepresentative.
ThePARCCOMshallcoordinateandmonitortheimplementationoftheCARP
intheprovince.tshallprovideinformationontheprovisionsoftheCARP,
guidelinesissuedbythePARCandontheprogressoftheCARPinthe
province.
Section45.ProvincebyProvinceImplementation.ThePARCshall
providetheguidelinesforaprovincebyprovinceimplementationofthe
CARP.Thetenyearprogramofdistributionofpublicandprivatelandsin
eachprovinceshallbeadjustedfromyearbytheprovince'sPARCCOMin
accordancewiththelevelofoperationspreviouslyestablishedbythePARC,
ineverycaseensuringthatsupportservicesareavailableorhavebeen
programmedbeforeactualdistributioniseffected.
Section46.BarangayAgrarianReformCommittee(BARC).Unless
otherwiseprovidedinthisAct,theprovisionsofExecutiveOrderNo.229
regardingtheorganizationoftheBarangayAgrarianReformCommittee
(BARC)shallbeineffect.
Section47.FunctionsoftheBARC.Inadditiontothoseprovidedin
ExecutiveOrderNo.229,theBARCshallhavethefollowingfunctions:
(a)Mediateandconciliatebetweenpartiesinvolvedinanagrarian
disputeincludingmattersrelatedtotenurialandfinancial
arrangements
(b)Assistintheidentificationofqualifiedbeneficiariesandlandowners
withinthebarangay

(c)Attesttotheaccuracyoftheinitialparcellarymappingofthe
beneficiary'stillage
(d)Assistqualifiedbeneficiariesinobtainingcreditfromlending
institutions
(e)Assistintheinitialdeterminationofthevalueoftheland
(f)AssisttheDARrepresentativesinthepreparationofperiodic
reportsontheCARPimplementationforsubmissiontotheDAR
(g)Coordinatethedeliveryofsupportservicestobeneficiariesand
(h)PerformsuchotherfunctionsasmaybeassignedbytheDAR.
(2)TheBARCshallendeavortomediate,conciliateandsettleagrarian
disputeslodgedbeforeitwithinthirty(30)daysfromitstakingcognizance
thereof.fafterthelapseofthethirtydayperiod,itisunabletosettlethe
dispute,itshallissueacertificateofitsproceedingsandshallfurnishacopy
thereofuponthepartieswithinseven(7)daysaftertheexpirationofthe
thirtydayperiod.
Section48.LegalAssistance.TheBARCoranymemberthereofmay,
whenevernecessaryintheexerciseofanyofitsfunctionshereunder,seek
thelegalassistanceoftheDARandtheprovincial,city,ormunicipal
government.
Section49.RulesandRegulations.ThePARCandtheDARshallhave
thepowertoissuerulesandregulations,whethersubstantiveorprocedural,
tocarryouttheobjectsandpurposesofthisAct.Saidrulesshalltakeeffect
ten(10)daysafterpublicationintwo(2)nationalnewspapersofgeneral
circulation.
CHAPTERXII
AdministrativeAdjudication
Section50.QuasiJudicialPowersoftheDAR.TheDARishereby
vestedwiththeprimaryjurisdictiontodetermineandadjudicateagrarian
reformmattersandshallhaveexclusiveoriginaljurisdictionoverallmatters
involvingtheimplementationofagrarianreformexceptthosefallingunder
theexclusivejurisdictionoftheDepartmentofAgriculture(DA)andthe
DepartmentofEnvironmentandNaturalResources(DENR).
Itshallnotbeboundbytechnicalrulesofprocedureandevidencebutshall
proceedtohearanddecideallcases,disputesorcontroversiesinamost

expeditiousmanner,employingallreasonablemeanstoascertainthefacts
ofeverycaseinaccordancewithjusticeandequityandthemeritsofthe
case.Towardthisend,itshalladoptauniformruleofproceduretoachievea
just,expeditiousandinexpensivedeterminationforeveryactionor
proceedingbeforeit.
Itshallhavethepowertosummonwitnesses,administeroaths,take
testimony,requiresubmissionofreports,compeltheproductionofbooks
anddocumentsandanswerstointerrogatoriesandissuesubpoena,and
subpoenaducestecum,andenforceitswritsthroughsheriffsorotherduly
deputizedofficers.tshalllikewisehavethepowertopunishdirectand
indirectcontemptsinthesamemannerandsubjecttothesamepenaltiesas
providedintheRulesofCourt.
Responsiblefarmerleadersshallbeallowedtorepresentthemselves,their
fellowfarmers,ortheirorganizationsinanyproceedingsbeforetheDAR:
provided,however,thatwhentherearetwoormorerepresentativesforany
individualorgroup,therepresentativesshouldchooseonlyoneamong
themselvestorepresentsuchpartyorgroupbeforeanyDARproceedings.
NotwithstandinganappealtotheCourtofAppeals,thedecisionoftheDAR
shallbeimmediatelyexecutory.
Section51.FinalityofDetermination.Anycaseorcontroversybefore
itshallbedecidedwithinthirty(30)daysafteritissubmittedforresolution.
Onlyone(1)motionforreconsiderationshallbeallowed.Anyorder,ruling
ordecisionshallbefinalafterthelapseoffifteen(15)daysfromreceiptofa
copythereof.
Section52.FrivolousAppeals.Todiscouragefrivolousordilatory
appealsfromthedecisionsorordersonthelocalorprovinciallevels,the
DARmayimposereasonablepenalties,includingbutnotlimitedtofinesor
censuresuponerringparties.
Section53.CertificationoftheBARC.TheDARshallnottake
cognizanceofanyagrariandisputeorcontroversyunlessacertificationfrom
theBARCthatthedisputehasbeensubmittedtoitformediationand
conciliationwithoutanysuccessofsettlementispresented:provided,
however,thatifnocertificationisissuedbytheBARCwithinthirty(30)days
afteramatterorissueissubmittedtoitformediationorconciliationthe
caseordisputemaybebroughtbeforethePARC.
CHAPTERXIII
JudicialReview

Section54.Certiorari.Anydecision,order,awardorrulingoftheDAR
onanyagrariandisputeoronanymatterpertainingtotheapplication,
implementation,enforcement,orinterpretationofthisActandother
pertinentlawsonagrarianreformmaybebroughttotheCourtofAppealsby
certiorariexceptasotherwiseprovidedinthisActwithinfifteen(15)days
fromthereceiptofacopythereof.
ThefindingsoffactoftheDARshallbefinalandconclusiveifbasedon
substantialevidence.
Section55.NoRestrainingOrderorPreliminaryInjunction.No
courtinthePhilippinesshallhavejurisdictiontoissueanyrestrainingorder
orwritofpreliminaryinjunctionagainstthePARCoranyofitsduly
authorizedordesignatedagenciesinanycase,disputeorcontroversy
arisingfrom,necessaryto,orinconnectionwiththeapplication,
implementation,enforcement,orinterpretationofthisActandother
pertinentlawsonagrarianreform.
Section56.SpecialAgrarianCourt.TheSupremeCourtshall
designateatleastone(1)branchoftheRegionalTrialCourt(RTC)within
eachprovincetoactasaSpecialAgrarianCourt.
TheSupremeCourtmaydesignatemorebranchestoconstitutesuch
additionalSpecialAgrarianCourtsasmaybenecessarytocopewiththe
numberofagrariancasesineachprovince.nthedesignation,theSupreme
CourtshallgivepreferencetotheRegionalTrialCourtswhichhavebeen
assignedtohandleagrariancasesorwhosepresidingjudgeswereformer
judgesofthedefunctCourtofAgrarianRelations.
TheRegionalTrialCourt(RTC)judgesassignedtosaidcourtsshallexercise
saidspecialjurisdictioninadditiontotheregularjurisdictionoftheir
respectivecourts.
TheSpecialAgrarianCourtsshallhavethepowersandprerogativesinherent
inorbelongingtotheRegionalTrialCourts.
Section57.SpecialJurisdiction.TheSpecialAgrarianCourtsshall
haveoriginalandexclusivejurisdictionoverallpetitionsforthe
determinationofjustcompensationtolandowners,andtheprosecutionofall
criminaloffensesunderthisAct.TheRulesofCourtshallapplytoall
proceedingsbeforetheSpecialAgrarianCourts,unlessmodifiedbythisAct.

TheSpecialAgrarianCourtsshalldecideallappropriatecasesundertheir
specialjurisdictionwithinthirty(30)daysfromsubmissionofthecasefor
decision.
Section58.AppointmentofCommissioners.TheSpecialAgrarian
Courts,upontheirowninitiativeorattheinstanceofanyoftheparties,may
appointoneormorecommissionerstoexamine,investigateandascertain
factsrelevanttothedisputeincludingthevaluationofproperties,andtofile
awrittenreportthereofwiththecourt.
Section59.OrdersoftheSpecialAgrarianCourts.Noorderofthe
SpecialAgrarianCourtsonanyissue,question,matterorincidentraised
beforethemshallbeelevatedtotheappellatecourtsuntilthehearingshall
havebeenterminatedandthecasedecidedonthemerits.
Section60.Appeals.Anappealmaybetakenfromthedecisionofthe
SpecialAgrarianCourtsbyfilingapetitionforreviewwiththeCourtof
Appealswithinfifteen(15)daysreceiptofnoticeofthedecisionotherwise,
thedecisionshallbecomefinal.
AnappealfromthedecisionoftheCourtofAppeals,orfromanyorder,
rulingordecisionoftheDAR,asthecasemaybe,shallbebyapetitionfor
reviewwiththeSupremeCourtwithinanonextendibleperiodoffifteen(15)
daysfromreceiptofacopyofsaiddecision.
Section61.ProcedureonReview.ReviewbytheCourtofAppealsor
theSupremeCourt,asthecasemaybe,shallbegovernedbytheRulesof
Court.TheCourtofAppeals,however,mayrequirethepartiestofile
simultaneousmemorandawithinaperiodoffifteen(15)daysfromnotice,
afterwhichthecaseisdeemedsubmittedfordecision.
Section62.PreferentialAttentioninCourts.Allcourtsinthe
Philippines,bothtrialandappellate,shallgivepreferentialattentiontoall
casesarisingfromorinconnectionwiththeimplementationoftheprovisions
ofthisAct.
Allcasespendingincourtarisingfromorinconnectionwiththe
implementationofthisActshallcontinuetobeheard,triedanddecidedinto
theirfinality,notwithstandingtheexpirationofthetenyearperiod
mentionedinSection5hereof.
CHAPTERXIV
Financing

Section63.FundingSource.Theinitialamountneededtoimplement
thisActfortheperiodoften(10)yearsuponapprovalhereofshallbe
fundedfromtheAgrarianReformFundcreatedunderSections20and21of
ExecutiveOrderNo.229.
Additionalamountsareherebyauthorizedtobeappropriatedasandwhen
neededtoaugmenttheAgrarianReformFundinordertofullyimplement
theprovisionsofthisAct.
Sourcesoffundingorappropriationsshallincludethefollowing:
(a)ProceedsofthesalesoftheAssetsPrivatizationTrust
(b)Allreceiptsfromassetsrecoveredandfromsalesofillgotten
wealthrecoveredthroughthePresidentialCommissiononGood
Government
(c)ProceedsofthedispositionofthepropertiesoftheGovernmentin
foreigncountries
(d)PortionofamountsaccruingtothePhilippinesfromallsourcesof
officialforeigngrantsandconcessionalfinancingfromallcountries,to
beusedforthespecificpurposesoffinancingproductioncredits,
infrastructures,andothersupportservicesrequiredbythisAct
(e)Othergovernmentfundsnototherwiseappropriated.
AllfundsappropriatedtoimplementtheprovisionsofthisActshallbe
consideredcontinuingappropriationsduringtheperiodofits
implementation.
Section64.FinancialIntermediaryfortheCARP.TheLandBankof
thePhilippinesshallbethefinancialintermediaryfortheCARP,andshall
insurethatthesocialjusticeobjectivesoftheCARPshallenjoyapreference
amongitspriorities.
CHAPTERXV
GeneralProvisions
Section65.ConversionofLands.Afterthelapseoffive(5)yearsfrom
itsaward,whenthelandceasestobeeconomicallyfeasibleandsoundfor
agriculturalpurposes,orthelocalityhasbecomeurbanizedandthelandwill
haveagreatereconomicvalueforresidential,commercialorindustrial
purposes,theDAR,uponapplicationofthebeneficiaryorthelandowner,
withduenoticetotheaffectedparties,andsubjecttoexistinglaws,may

authorizethereclassificationorconversionofthelandanditsdisposition:
provided,thatthebeneficiaryshallhavefullypaidhisobligation.
Section66.ExemptionsfromTaxesandFeesofLandTransfers.
TransactionsunderthisActinvolvingatransferofownership,whetherfrom
naturalorjuridicalpersons,shallbeexemptedfromtaxesarisingfrom
capitalgains.Thesetransactionsshallalsobeexemptedfromthepayment
ofregistrationfees,andallothertaxesandfeesfortheconveyanceor
transferthereofprovided,thatallarrearagesinrealpropertytaxes,without
penaltyorinterest,shallbedeductiblefromthecompensationtowhichthe
ownermaybeentitled.
Section67.FreeRegistrationofPatentsandTitles.AllRegistersof
Deedsareherebydirectedtoregister,freefrompaymentofallfeesand
othercharges,patents,titlesanddocumentsrequiredforthe
implementationoftheCARP.
Section68.ImmunityofGovernmentAgenciesfromUndue
Interference.Noinjunction,restrainingorder,prohibitionormandamus
shallbeissuedbythelowercourtsagainsttheDepartmentofAgrarian
Reform(DAR),theDepartmentofAgriculture(DA),theDepartmentof
EnvironmentandNaturalResources(DENR),andtheDepartmentofJustice
(DOJ)intheirimplementationoftheprogram.
Section69.AssistanceofOtherGovernmentEntities.ThePARC,in
theexerciseofitsfunctions,isherebyauthorizedtocallupontheassistance
andsupportofothergovernmentagencies,bureausandoffices,including
governmentownedorcontrolledcorporations.
Section70.DispositionofPrivateAgriculturalLands.Thesaleor
dispositionofagriculturallandsretainedbyalandownerasaconsequenceof
Section6hereofshallbevalidaslongasthetotallandholdingsthatshallbe
ownedbythetransfereethereofinclusiveofthelandtobeacquiredshallnot
exceedthelandholdingceilingsprovidedforinthisAct.
AnysaleordispositionofagriculturallandsaftertheeffectivityofthisAct
foundtobecontrarytotheprovisionshereofshallbenullandvoid.
TransfereesofagriculturallandsshallfurnishtheappropriateRegisterof
DeedsandtheBARCanaffidavitattestingthathistotallandholdingsasa
resultofthesaidacquisitiondonotexceedthelandholdingceiling.The
RegisterofDeedsshallnotregisterthetransferofanyagriculturalland
withoutthesubmissionofthisswornstatementtogetherwithproofof
serviceofacopythereoftotheBARC.

Section71.BankMortgages.Banksandotherfinancialinstitutions
allowedbylawtoholdmortgagerightsorsecurityinterestsinagricultural
landstosecureloansandotherobligationsofborrowers,mayacquiretitleto
thesemortgagedproperties,regardlessofarea,subjecttoexistinglawson
compulsorytransferofforeclosedassetsandacquisitionasprescribedunder
Section13ofthisAct.
Section72.Lease,Management,GrowerorServiceContracts,
MortgagesandOtherClaims.LandscoveredbythisActunderlease,
management,growerorservicecontracts,andthelikeshallbedisposedof
asfollows:
(a)Lease,management,growerorservicecontractscoveringprivate
landsmaycontinueundertheiroriginaltermsandconditionsuntilthe
expirationofthesameevenifsuchlandhas,inthemeantime,been
transferredtoqualifiedbeneficiaries.
(b)MortgagesandotherclaimsregisteredwiththeRegisterofDeeds
shallbeassumedbythegovernmentuptoanamountequivalentto
thelandowner'scompensationvalueasprovidedinthisAct.
Section73.ProhibitedActsandOmissions.Thefollowingare
prohibited:
(a)Theownershiporpossession,forthepurposeofcircumventingthe
provisionsofthisAct,ofagriculturallandsinexcessofthetotal
retentionlimitsorawardceilingsbyanyperson,naturalorjuridical,
exceptthoseundercollectiveownershipbyfarmerbeneficiaries.
(b)Theforcibleentryorillegaldetainerbypersonswhoarenot
qualifiedbeneficiariesunderthisActtoavailthemselvesoftherights
andbenefitsoftheAgrarianReformProgram.
(c)Theconversionbyanylandownerofhisagriculturallandintoany
nonagriculturalusewithintenttoavoidtheapplicationofthisActto
hislandholdingsandtodispossesshistenantfarmersofthelandtilled
bythem.
(d)Thewillfulpreventionorobstructionbyanyperson,associationor
entityoftheimplementationoftheCARP.
(e)Thesale,transfer,conveyanceorchangeofthenatureoflands
outsideofurbancentersandcitylimitseitherinwholeorinpartafter
theeffectivityofthisAct.Thedateoftheregistrationofthedeedof
conveyanceintheRegisterofDeedswithrespecttotitledlandsand

thedateoftheissuanceofthetaxdeclarationtothetransfereeofthe
propertywithrespecttounregisteredlands,asthecasemaybe,shall
beconclusiveforthepurposeofthisAct.
(f)Thesale,transferorconveyancebyabeneficiaryoftherighttouse
oranyotherusufructuaryrightoverthelandheacquiredbyvirtueof
beingabeneficiary,inordertocircumventtheprovisionsofthisAct.
Section74.Penalties.Anypersonwhoknowinglyorwillfullyviolates
theprovisionsofthisActshallbepunishedbyimprisonmentofnotlessthan
one(1)monthtonotmorethanthree(3)yearsorafineofnotlessthan
onethousandpesos(P1,000.00)andnotmorethanfifteenthousandpesos
(P15,000.00),orboth,atthediscretionofthecourt.
Iftheoffenderisacorporationorassociation,theofficerresponsible
thereforeshallbecriminallyliable.
Section75.SuppletoryApplicationofExistingLegislation.The
provisionsofRepublicActNo.3844asamended,PresidentialDecreeNos.27
and266asamended,ExecutiveOrderNos.228and229,bothSeriesof
1987andotherlawsnotinconsistentwiththisActshallhavesuppletory
effect.
Section76.RepealingClause.Section35ofRepublicActNo.3834,
PresidentialDecreeNo.316,thelasttwoparagraphsofSection12of
PresidentialDecreeNo.946,PresidentialDecreeNo.1038,andallother
laws,decreesexecutiveorders,rulesandregulations,issuancesorparts
thereofinconsistentwiththisActareherebyrepealedoramended
accordingly.
Section77.SeparabilityClause.If,foranyreason,anysectionor
provisionofthisActisdeclarednullandvoid,noothersection,provision,or
partthereofshallbeaffectedandthesameshallremaininfullforceand
effect.
Section78.EffectivityClause.ThisActshalltakeeffectimmediately
afterpublicationinatleasttwo(2)nationalnewspapersofgeneral
circulation.
Approved:June10,1988