FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
First Regular Session 
1 
Introduced by Senator Loren Legarda 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
This bill seeks to institute continuing reforms in land administration and 
management through the integration of land administration powers and functions into 
a single government agency for expediency and cost-efficiency and to provide 
structural and technological changes that will enable transparency and accessibility 
with the primary objective of advancing equity and full utilization and development of 
land resources. 
Section 21, Article I1 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution provides that the State 
shall promote comprehensive rural development and agrarian reform. In the Philippine 
history, it was manifested in a number of faces, from the time of American rule to the 
popular and prevailing Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) and its off- 
springs. There is no question with its positive effects of land reform; numerous studies 
confirm its positive relationship with poverty alleviation, locally and internationally. 
However, land administration proves to be the cap of the bottle in land reform. Without 
effective land administration, its translation to development and sound management of 
land and land resources won't be facilitated. Thus, it is important to pinpoint the issues 
that surround the current set-up of land administration that hinder such. 
These issues are comprised largely of the defects of the implementing arm of the 
government and partly by absent complementary laws that will enable a more efficient 
land administration system. These issues cause inefficiencies (e.g. extensive delays in 
the disposition and titling of alienable and disposable lands, inaccurate incomplete land 
information and records, duplicate and fake titles, etc.) that delimit the system in its 
service-delivery as well as the public participation, thus constraining economic 
development. 
Thus, there is a need of a legislation that will streamline the framework and the 
0 
0 
processes to address the issues specifically, 
overlapping, inconsistent and outdated land-related laws 
Overlapping tenurial instruments in public lands 
Disjointed policies, rules and regulations, cumbersome procedures, and 
dysfunctional structures 
Inappropriate land classification fdr planning and development 
Bureaucratic land administrative systems and procedures 
0 
In line with the Medium-Term Philippine Development Plan 2004-2010, Land 
Administration Reform Act (LARA) of 2007 serves to respond to such concerns. 


Among the salient features this bill includes: 
1. Creation of Land Administration Authority (LAA) - an agency under the Office 
of ' the President responsible for land administration and public land 
management with the following general powers and functions: 
a. Land Survey and Mapping - update, complete, and manage nationwide 
cadastral surveys, topographic mapping and the record system; prescribe 
rules, regulations, and standards, and verify, approve, and coordinate 
with pertinent agencies and institutions regarding land consolidation and 
titling process; 
b. Land registration - conducts registration; compile, manages, and 
maintains the custodial and storage system especially the master list of 
spurious land titles and tenure instruments; 
c. Public Land Administration - administer, manage and/or dispose of all 
alienable lands of the public domain in coordination with local 
government units and other agencies; 
d. Land records and information technology - establish and maintain an 
open system for public access; determine fees, fines, and penalties; act as 
Secretariat; 
2. Creation of Land Adjudication Board (LAB) - the quasi-judicial body of the LAA 
that has exclusive original jurisdiction on all matters involving the 
implementation of laws, rules, and regulations on land administration and public 
land management; 
3. Creation of a Congressional Oversight Committee on the Land Reform Act. 
LARA seeks to institute continuing reforms in land administration and 
management in order to optimize and rationalize their contribution to the goals of 
national development, tenure security, eradication of poverty, and attainment of social, 
economic, and cultural justice. 
The bill's immediate enactment will ensure recognition of the Philippines to the 
global efforts for sustainable development while providing improved access to land for 
the majority of the Filipino people. 
In view of the foregoing, immediate passage of this bill is earnestly requested. 
% 
Senator 


FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
First Regular Session 
-7 
" i 
*. ? 
. 
Introduced by Senator Loren Legarda 
AN ACT 
INSTITUTING REFORMS IN LAND ADMINISTRATION SYSTEM, 
CREATING THE LAND ADMINISTRATION AUTHORITY, AND FOR 
OTHER PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
ARTICLE I 
GENERAL PROVISIONS 
SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as "The Land Administration 
Reform Act of 2007". 
SECTION 2. Declaration ufPoZicy.- It is hereby declared the policy of the State 
to institute continuing reforms in land administration and management in order to 
optimize and rationalize their contribution to the goals of national development, tenure 
security, eradication of poverty, and attainment of social, economic, and cultural justice. 
Towards this end, the State shall: 
(a) Integrate and rationalize the structure, powers, functions, and responsibilities of 
the different agencies involved in land administration and management in order 
to increase the efficiency, effectiveness, transparency, accountability and expedite 
the delivery of services. 
(b) Undertake reforms in land administration and management to ensure equitable 
distribution and full utilization and development of land resources. 
(c) Provide an efficient and effective classification, mapping, surveying, disposition, 
registration and management of land resources; and 
Develop, establish and maintain up-to-date, open, accessible, integrated and 
computer-based land information and records. 
SECTION 3. Definition of Terms. - For the purpose of this Act, the following 
terms shall, unless the context indicates otherwise, have the following meanings: 
(a) "Alienable and disposable lands" refers to agricultural lands of the public 
1 


domain which have been delineated, classified and certified as available for disposition 
under the Public Land Act. 
(b) “Agricultural lands” refers to lands devoted to or suitable for the cultivation 
of the soil, planting of crops or growing of trees, and not classified as mineral land, 
forest land or national park, or subclassified as residential land, commercial land or 
industrial land. 
(c) “Automated registration system” refers to a system using appropriate 
technology for scanning, recording and land registration using electronic devices to 
store the copy of certificates of title and other documents relative thereto. 
(d) ”Classification and reclassification” refers to the act of Congress in setting the 
specific limits of forest lands and national parks, and increasing or decreasing their 
boundaries by law, as provided for in Article XII, Section 4 of the 1987 Philippine 
Constitution. 
(e) ”Consulfa” refers to the procediire wherein the issue of registrability of 
certain instruments is resolved in accordance with Presidential Decree No. 1529. 
(f) ”Director General” refers to the person occupying the position of Director 
General of the Land Administration Authority created by this Act. 
(g) ”Land refers to resources, both man-made and natural, found on the surface, 
below and above the ground, including inland waters and the air therein. 
(h) “Land Administration and Management Project (LAMP)” refers to the project 
office providing technical and administrative support to the interagency endeavor of 
the Philippine government to identify strategic directions toward land administration 
reform in land institutions, laws, taxes and fees, and valuation. 
(i) “Land administration and public land management” refers to the 
administration of all functions, powers and activities related to the mapping, land 
survey, classification, ownership, disposition and registration of land titles and deeds, 
and the management of public lands. 
(j) “Land Irzfovlnation System” refers to a system of linking textual attributes (such 
as ownership, identity, location and value) of land into spatial reference designed to 
facilitate access to information and assist in planning and decision making 
(k) ”Land Management Bureau (LMB)” refers to the staff bureau of the 
Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). 
(1) ”Land Management Services (LMS)” refers to the land management sector or 
offices of the DENR at the regional, provincial and district level. 
(m) “Land registration case” refers to the proceeding, either administrative or 
judicial, for registering the title to, or interest in, a land so that such title or interest 
becomes a matter for public record, and all persons who have interest in the land may 
be informed thereof, actually or constructively, and be bound thereby if they make no 
objections thereto within a specific time. 
(n) “Land Registration Authority (LRA)” refers to the attached agency of the 
Department of Justice (DOJ), including the Registers of Deeds (ROD). 
(0) ”National Mapping and Resources Information Authority (NAMRIA)” refers 
to the agency known by that name attached to the DENR. 
(p) ”President” refers to the President of the Philippines. 
(q) ”Public domain” refers to lands that belong to the State which may either be 
agricultural, forest or timber, mineral or national park as provided for in the 
Constitution. 
(r) ”Public lands” refers to lands which have not been subject to private property 
rights or subject to sale or other modes of acquisition or concession under general laws, 
and are devoted to public use. 
2 


ARTICLE 11 
CREATION OF THE LAND ADMINISTRATION AUTHORITY 
SEC. 4. Creation of the Land Admitfistvation Authority (LAA). - To carry out the 
purposes of this Act, the Land Administration Authority (LAA) is hereby created and 
placed under the Office of the President. It shall be the primary government agency 
responsible for land administration and public land management. 
SEC. 5. General Powers and Functions of the LAA.- The LAA shall exercise the 
following powers and functions: 
a) 
Land Survey & Mapping 
1) Execute, complete and continually update the nationwide cadastral surveys 
in accordance with the provisions of Act No. 2259 as amended, and update all 
existing cadastral maps; 
2) Conduct nationwide survey and topographic mapping to assist Congress in 
determining the specific limits of forest lands and national parks, to delimit 
the specific boundaries and classification of alienable and disposable lands of 
the public domain, and to identify the specific boundaries of environmentally 
protected areas under Republic Act 7586 otherwise known as the National 
Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) 
3) In coordination with local government units and the pertinent agencies, 
conduct and/or approve surveys and mapping necessary in the 
implementation of Republic Act No. 7160 or the Local Government Code, 
Republic Act No. 7279 or the Urban Development and Housing Act, Republic 
Act No. 8435 or the Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act (AFMA), 
Republic Act 7916 or the Ecozone Law, Republic Act No. 6657 or the 
Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law (CARL), and other existing laws 
requiring survey and mapping; 
4) Verify and approve all private land consolidation, subdivision and 
consolidation-subdivision surveys intended for titling purposes; 
5) Prescribe standards, rules and regulations for the conduct of all kinds of 
geophysical surveys, mapping, aerial photography, remote sensing and 
similar activities in accordance with existing laws and internationally 
accepted principles, practices and standards; 
6) Prescribe a uniform base map that shall be used for all public and private 
mapping activities, and provide convenient and affordable public access to 
the same; and 
7) Establish and maintain an appropriate custodial and storage system that shall 
ensure the security and integrity of all survey and mapping records. 
b) 
Land Registration 
1) Register original titles to land and subsequent dealings in registered lands 
under the provisions of Act No. 496 and Presidential Decree No. 1529 as 
amended; provided, that prior to registering a tenure instrument and issuing 
an original certificate of title based thereon, the LAA shall first verify 
compliance with the conditions and requirements prescribed under the law 
authorizing the issuance of said tenure instrument; 
3 


f) 
2) Establish and maintain an appropriate custodial and storage system that shall 
ensure the security and integrity of all registration and titling records, subject 
to the provisions of Act No. 496, Presidential Decree 1529 and pertinent laws; 
and 
3) Compile a nationwide master list of suspected spurious land titles and tenure 
instruments, undertake thorough investigation of the same and, when 
merited, initiate the proper proceedings for the cancellation thereof by a 
'competent court; provided, that cancellation of instruments which have not yet 
been registered under the Torrens system as provided under existing laws 
and which are found to be spurious shall be effected by the LAA under rules 
and procedures that it shall promulgate consistent with this Act and existing 
laws, and provided further, that patently fake titles shall also be dealt with 
administratively by the LAA. 
Public Land Administration 
1) Administer, manage and/or dispose of all alienable and disposable lands of 
the public domain under the provisions of Commonwealth Act No. 141 
otherwise known as the Public Land Act, as amended, Friar Lands under the 
provisions of Act No. 1120, patrimonial property of the National government 
under Act No. 3038, and such other public lands as have not been placed 
under the jurisdiction of any other government agency or instrumentality, in 
accordance with existing laws; and 
2) Coordinate with local government units and the appropriate agencies in 
releasing alienable and disposable lands of the public domain for the 
accelerated implementation of agrarian reform, socialized housing, 
resettlement and other government programs requiring land. 
Land Records and Information Technology 
1) Establish and maintain a secure, integrated, and accessible computerized 
database of all survey and mapping records, registration and titling records 
and other land information data, and ensure the timely updating of said 
database; and 
2) Establish and maintain an open system to provide convenient nationwide 
public access to survey, mapping, registration, titling and other land data; 
subject, however, to the requirements of security and confidentiality under 
existing laws. 
Formulate and recommend policies and programs to achieve the intent and 
purposes of this Act; 
Determine, fix and collect reasonable amounts to be charged as fees, fines and 
penalties in the implementation of this Act; 
Receive grants and donations; 
Conduct, regulate, verify and approve all types of land surveys including 
surveys intended for the implementation of Commonwealth Act No. 141, as 
amended, Republic Act No. 6657 or the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law 
(CARL) and Republic Act No. 8371 or the Indigenous Peoples' Rights Act of 
1997 (IPRA); 
Enter into contracts in the implementation of this Act, subject to existing laws; 
Perform such other powers and functions as are currently lodged with the 
LRA/RoD, LMB/LMS, NAMRIA, DENR-CARP National Secretariat under PD 
1529, CA 141 as amended and other existing laws and issuances; and 
4 


k) 
Perform such other functions as are necessary, proper and incidental to 
implement the provisions of this Act. 
(Whenever any reference is made to the LRA/RoD, the LMB/LMS and the 
DENR-CARP National Secretariat under Executive Order No. 192, Presidential Decree 
No. 1529 and Commonwealth Act No. 141, as amended, pertaining to a duty, power, 
purpose, responsibility or jurisdiction transferred to the LAA by this Act, it shall be 
deemed to be a reference to, and to mean, the LAA and the Director General of the 
LAA, as the case may be.) 
SECTION 6. Stakeholders‘ Advisory Committee. - The LAA shall be assisted by a 
Stakeholders’ Advisory Committee composed of the following: 
(a) Nine representatives from the basic sectors chosen through the nomination 
process of the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC); 
(b) Three (3) representatives from the private sector appointed by the President: 
Provided that one shall come from the business sector and another one from the 
Geodetic Engineer’s sector 
(c) Three (3) representatives from the League of Municipalities, Cities and 
Provinces, respectively; 
(d) The Director General, as ex-officio member. 
The President shall designate the chairperson from among the members of the 
committee. Except the LAA Director General, the members of the advisory committee 
shall not hold office in the LAA nor receive any salary but shall be entitled, for actual 
attendance during meetings, to such allowances and honoraria as are allowed by the 
rules and regulations promulgated by the Commission on Audit. 
SECTION 7. Functions of 
the stakeholders’ Advisory Committee. - The 
committee shall advise the LAA on the formulation of policies and policy development 
pertaining to land administration and public land management and shall monitor their 
implementation. It shall submit, within three months following the end of each calendar 
year, a report to the President on its advisory and monitoring activities. 
SECTION 8. Meetings of the Committee. - The chairperson shall convene regular 
meetings of the committee at least once every quarter. Special meetings may also be 
called by the chairperson or at the initiative of at least three members. 
SECTION 9. Secretariat and Logistical Support. - The office of the LAA Director 
General shall provide secretariat and logistical support to the committee. 
ARTICLE I11 
IMPLEMENTING MECHANISM 
SECTION 10. Structure and Organization. - The LAA shall consist o f  
(a) The office of the Director General; 
(b) The offices of the Deputy Directors General; 
5 


(c) The offices of the Assistant Directors General; and 
(d) Land offices. 
SECTION 11. The Director General. - The authority and responsibility for the 
exercise of the mandate of the LAA, the accomplishment of its objectives and the 
discharge of its powers and functions shalI be vested in the Director General, of cabinet 
rank, who shall be appointed by the President. The Director General shall have the 
following functions: 
(a) Advise the President on the promulgation of rules, regulations and other 
(b) Serve as ex officio member of each division of the Land Adjudication Board 
(c) Establish policies and standards for the efficient and effective operations of 
(d) Promulgate rules, regulations and other issuances necessary in carrying out 
(e) Exercise control and supervision over all functions and activities of the LAA; 
(f) Delegate authority over all powers, functions and activities of the LAA; and 
(9) Perform such other functions as may be provided by law or assigned by the 
issuances 'relative to land administration and public land management; 
pursuant to Section 16 hereof; 
the LAA in accordance with the programs of the government; 
the LAA's mandate, objectives, policies, plans, programs and projects; 
President. 
SECTION 12. Office of the Director General. - The office of the Director General 
shall consist of the Director General, his immediate staff and the office of the Legal 
Services. 
SECTION 13. Deputy Directors General. - The Director General shall be assisted 
by at least three Deputy Directors General who shall be appointed by the President.' At 
least one of the Deputy Directors General shall be a member of the bar or a geodetic 
engineer with at least five years experience in any land administration function. The 
Director General is hereby authorized to delineate, assign and/or reassign the 
respective functional areas of responsibility of the Deputy Directors General Provided, 
That no Deputy Director General shall be assigned primarily administrative 
responsibilities. Within his functional area of responsibility, a Deputy Director General 
shall have the following functions: 
(a) Advise the Director General in the promulgation of administrative orders and 
other issuances with respect to his are,a of responsibility; 
(b) Exercise supervision over the offices, departments or operating units, and 
officers and employees under his responsibility; 
(c) Promulgate rules and regulations that will efficiently and effectively govern 
the activities of the units under his responsibility; 
(d) Coordinate the functions and activities of the units under his responsibility 
with those of other units under the responsibility of other Deputy Directors General; 
(e) Exercise authority on substantive and administrative matters related to the 
functions and activities of the units under his responsibility as may be delegated by the 
Director General; and 
(f) Perform such other functions as may be provided by law or assigned by the 
Director General. 
6 


SECTION 14. Assistant Directors GeneraZ. - The Director General and Deputy 
Directors General shall be assisted by five Assistant Directors General in the 
formulation, management and implemeiitation of land administration and public land 
management Iaws, policies, pIans, programs and projects. 
SECTION 15. Land Offices. - Permanent field offices at the city and provincial 
levels are hereby established and shall be called Land Offices. The LAA may also 
establish additional Land Offices in a city or province as it may be determined for the 
efficient and effective delivery of its services. Provided, that provinces and cities with 
existing Registry of Deeds upon approval of this Act shall automatically establish Land 
Offices. 
The Land Offices shall be headed by an Executive Land Officer. He/She shall 
exercise general supervision on land survey, land registration, public land 
administration and record and information management within his/her jurisdiction. 
He/She shall also implement such other functions of the LAA in his/her respective area 
of responsibility as may be delegated by the Director General to provide a more 
efficient and effective delivery of services. Provided, that the registration personnel shall 
continue to exercise its other registration functions in accordance with existing laws. 
ARTICLE IV 
LAND ADJUDICATION BOARD 
SECTION 16. Creation of the Land Adjudication Board (LAB). - There is hereby 
created a Land Adjudication Board (LAB). The LAB shall be the quasi-judicial body of 
the LAA and shall have the following functions: 
(a) Exercise exclusive original jurisdiction over all matters involving the 
implementation of laws, rules and regulations on land administration and public land 
management, and all cases and /or controversies arising therefrom; Puovided, that all 
petitions for the correction of clerical or typographical errors committed in writing, 
copying, transcribing, or typing of an entry in the maps, survey plans, and certificate of 
land titles shall be administratively addressed by the LAA Land Offices 
(b) Exercise exclusive original jurisdiction on conflicts arising from the 
determination and adjudication in land administration and public land management 
matters, except cases falling under the jurisdiction of the Department of Agrarian 
Reform (DAR) under the CARP law and the National Commission on Indigenous 
Peoples under the IPRA law unless specifically provided herein. Prozdrd, that 
jurisdiction over conflicts and cases arising from ownership of private lands shall 
remain with the regular courts. Provided further that existing cases on land ownership 
and conflicts pending in the regular courts shall remain under the court’s jurisdiction 
unless otherwise remanded by the courts to the LAA or LAB for disposition subject to 
the pertinent provisions of this Act. 
The LAB shall be under the administrative supervision of the Director General 
and shall be divided into three divisions. Each division shall exercise equal powers, 
independently resolving cases raised on appeal from the decisions of the Local Land 
Adjudication Boards, created pursuant to Section 14 hereof, from Luzon, Visayas, and 
Mindanao: Puovided, That the divisions assigned to handle cases from Visayas and 
Mindanao shall hold permanent office in any of the cities therein. 
7 


SECTION 17. Composition. - Each division of the LAB shall be composed of 
three permanent members who shall be appointed by the President Provided, That the 
Director General of the LAA shall sit as ex officio or fourth member of each division. 
The permanent members of each division shall elect their presiding officer. 
SECTION 18. Local Land Adjudication Board. - Local Land Adjudication Boards 
(LLAB) are hereby created in all provincial and city Land Offices that shall serve as first 
level board. The LLAB shall be composed of three (3) members. The Presiding Officer 
shall be the Executive Land Officer, the two other members shall be the head of, the local 
surveys unit and the head of the local registration unit.. 
Decisions, orders, and resolutions of the Local Land Adjudication Board shall be 
raised on appeal to the LAB. 
SECTION 19. Budget and Administrative Support. - The LAB shall determine 
and propose its budgetary requirements and shall be submitted as part of the LAAs 
budget request. Disbursements of the approved budget resources shall be the sole 
responsibility of the LAB. Secretariat services shall be provided by the LAA. 
SECTION 20. Proceedings and -Procedures. - The LAB shall not be bound by 
technical rules of procedure and evidence but shall proceed to hear and decide all cases, 
disputes or controversies in a most expeditious manner, employing all reasonable 
means to ascertain the facts of every case in accordance with justice and equity and the 
merits of the case. Towards this end, it shall adopt a uniform rules of procedure to 
achieve a just, expeditious and inexpensive determination of merits: Provided, That it 
shall endeavor to settle disputes and controversies amicably. 
In the exercise of its functions, the LAB shall have the power to summon 
witnesses, administer oaths, take testimony, require submission of reports, compel the 
production of books and documents and answers to interrogatories, issue subpoena and 
subpoena duces teckrn and enforce its writs through sheriffs or other duly deputized 
officers. It shall punish direct and indirect contempt in the same manner and subject to 
the same penalties as provided for in the Rules of Court. 
Responsible persons shall be allowed to represent themselves or their 
organizations in any proceedings before the LAB: Provided, kowever, That when there 
are two or more representatives for any individual or group, the representatives should 
choose oiily one from among themselves to represent such party or group before any 
LAB proceedings. 
SECTION 21. Finality of Determination. - Any case or. controversy before the 
LAB shall be decided within thirty (30) days after it is submitted for resolution. Only 
one motion for reconsideration shall be allowed. Moreover, any order, award, ruling or 
decision shall be final after the lapse of fifteen (15) days from receipt by the parties of a 
copy thereof. 
SECTION 22. Frivolous Appeals. - To discourage frivolous or dilatory appeals 
from the decisions, awards, rulings or orders, the LAB may impose reasonable penalties 
including, but not limited to, fines or censures upon erring parties. 
8 


ARTICLE V 
JUDICIAL REVIEW 
SECTION 23. Certiorari. - Any decision, order, award or ruling of the LAA on 
any dispute or on any matter pertaining to the application, implementation, 
enforcement or interpretation of this Act and other pertinent laws on land 
administration and public land management may be brought to the Court of Appeals by 
certiorari within fifteen (15) days from the receipt of a copy thereof. 
The findings of fact of the LAA shall be final and conclusive if based on substantial 
evidence. 
SECTION 24. Restraining Order or Preliminary Injunction. - Only the Court of 
Appeals and the Supreme Court of the Philippines shall have jurisdiction to issue any 
restraining order or writ of preliminary injunction against the LAA or any of its duly 
authorized or designated offices in any case, dispute or controversy arising from, 
necessary to, or in connection with the application, implementation, enforcement or 
interpretation of this Act and other pertinent laws on land administration and public 
land management. 
SECTION. 25. Procedure on Review. - Review by the Court of Appeals or the 
Supreme Court, as the case may be, shall be governed by the Rules of Court. The Court 
of Appeals, however, may require the parties to file simultaneous memoranda within a 
period of fifteen (15) days from notice, after which the case is deemed submitted for 
decision. 
SECTION 26. Authenticity and Validity of Land Record and Titles - The LAA 
shall have the sole authority and power to validate, authenticate and reconsitutute land 
titles and land ownership records and information; Provided, that existing cases filed 
under the regular courts shall remain under its jurisdiction unless remanded to the 
LAA. 
ARTICLE VI 
TRANSITORY PROVISIONS 
SECTION 27. Transfer of Powers and Transition Plan. - The powers and 
functions of the LAA heretofore vested by law in the DENR, DOJ, LRA/RoD, 
LMB/LMS and DENR-CARP National Secretariat or in any office within or attached to 
these agencies, are hereby transferred to and vested in the Office of the Director 
General. The Director General shall be responsible for the identification, preparation 
and formulation of a transition plan to ensure the smooth and seamless transfer and 
assumption of powers, functions and personnel from the abovementioned agencies to 
the LAA; Prouided, that such transition plan shall be prepared, formulated and 
developed in consultation with the affected agencies and its representative 
stakeholders; Provided furfher, that the transition plan shall integrate such other actions 
and activities necessary, including provisions under this section and as provided for 
under this Act to complete the transition to the LAA. 
9 


SECTION 28. Transfer of the NAMRIA as an Attached Agency of the LAA .- 
The NAMRIA is hereby attached to the LAA. It shall retain its structure, budgetary 
allocation under the current General Appropriations Act, and all properties, equipment, 
and other facilities necessary in the performance of its mandate. 
SECTION 29. 
Organization of the LAA. - The LAA’s organizational and 
administrative structure and functions and staffing pattern, including the personnel’s 
duties and responsibilities and the appropriate compensation package shall be 
submitted by the Director General within six (6) months upon approval of this Act for 
review and approval of the President and shall be fully implemented within a period of 
six (6) months after such approval of the President. 
SECTION 30. 
Transfer of Personnel. - To ensure a smooth transition, all 
incumbent personnel of the DENR’s LMB/LMS, DENR-CARP National Secretariat and 
its field offices, the DOJ’s LRA/RoD shall continue to perform their present duties and 
functions as interim personnel of the LAA until such time, being not later than twelve 
(12) months from the effectivity of this Act, that the regular staff of the LAA, based on 
the new staffing pattern, shall have been appointed Provided that all incumbent and 
qualified personnel of the DENRs LMB/LMS, DENR-CARP National Secretariat and 
its field offices, the DOJ’s LRA/RoD 
shall be allowed to fill up the appropriate 
positions for regular personnel of the LAA and its field offices Providedfirtker, That the 
regular personnel shall be appointed by the Director General, or his/her duly 
authorized representative, on the basis of merit, previous permanent appointment, 
fitness, and seniority. 
SECTION 31. Separation Pay and Otlzer Benefits. - Personnel who are not offered 
appointment within twelve (12) months upon the effectivity of this Act under the new 
staffing pattern of the LAA on at least equivalent terms and conditions as their present 
employment by reason of duplication or redundancy and those who decline an 
appointment in the LAA by reason of diminution in rank and conditions shall be 
entitled to the separation pay and other benefits in accordance with Sections 10.1 to 10.3 
and 13 of Executive Order No. 366 dated October 4,2004. 
SECTION 32. ReempZoyment. - Government personnel who are separated as a 
result of the integration of the aforecited offices may apply for positions and be 
employed in other agencies or branches of the government including government- 
owned and/or -controlled corporations (GOCCs), government financial institutions 
(GFIs) or local government units (LGUs). 
SECTION 33. Unexpended Appropriations and Transfer of Assets. - The 
unexpended balances of appropriations in the current General Appropriations Act and 
other laws in force upon approval hereof, pertaining to, held, or used by, or available to 
the LRA and ROD, the LMB, the LMS, the DENR-CARP National Secretariat and its 
field offices, and the LAMP are hereby transferred to the LAA. 
Such other unexpended balances of appropriations as may be deemed appropriate 
by the Department of Budget and Management for transfer to the LAA shall also be so 
transferred. 
All real and personal properties, assets, liabilities, records, documents, positions, 
appropriations, contracts and agreements which, upon the effectivity of this Act, are 
vested in, or owned, by the LMB/LMS, the DENR-CARP National Secretariat and its 
10 


field offices, the LRA/RoD and the LAMP are hereby transferred to the LAA. 
SECTION 34. Penal Provisiom. - Any person who sells forms issued and 
distributed gratuitously under this Act or who, being an officer charged with 
distributing them, refuses or fails without sufficient reason to furnish the same shall be 
punished for each offense by a fine of not less than One hundred thousand pesos 
(P100,000.00) and not more than One million pesos (Pl,OOO,OOO.OO) or imprisonment of 
not less than six months nor more than three years, or both, at the discretion of the 
court. 
Any person, corporation, association or partnership which, not being qualified or 
no longer authorized to apply for regisbation purposes, files or induces or knowingly 
permits another person, corporation, association or partnership to file an application in 
his/her or its behalf, or for his/her or its interest, benefit or advantage shall be 
punished for each offense by a fine of not less than One hundred thousand pesos 
(PlO0,OOO.OO) or imprisonment of not less than five years, or both, at the discretion of 
the court: Provided, That in case the offender is a corporation, association or partnership, 
their responsible officials shall be deemed jointly and severally liable. The application 
shall be cancelled. 
Any person who shall, by deceit or fraud, acquire or attempt to acquire lands of 
the public domain or other real property or any right, title or interest, or property right 
of any class to the same, and any person aiding and abetting him therein or serving as a 
means or tool thereof shall, upon conviction, be punished by a fine of not less than One 
hundred thousand pesos (PlO0,OOO.OO) and imprisonment of not less than five years nor 
more than twelve (12) years, or both, at the discretion of the court. 
Any person who shall tamper or attempt to tamper any records of the LAA that 
will result in the acquisition of rights, title or interest over real property and any person 
aiding and abetting him therein or serving as a means or tool thereof shall, upon 
conviction, be punished by a fine of not less than Five hundred thousand pesos 
(P500,OOO.OO) and imprisonment of not less than twelve (12) years, or both, at the 
discretion of the court. 
For purposes of this Act, if the offender is a public official or government official or 
employee, he or she shall be, in addition to the existing penalties, removed from office, 
forfeit all retirement benefits except the monetary value of accumulated leave credits 
and be perpetually disqualified from holding any elective or appointive public office. 
SECTION 35. Preservation of Records. - The LAA shall have possession and 
control of all records, books, papers, offices, equipment, supplies, moneys, funds, 
appropriations, land and other property, real or personal, held for the benefit or use of 
all bodies, offices and officers whose duties, powers and functions have been 
transferred to and conferred upon the Authority. 
Pending a written notice of receipt issued by a duly authorized officer of the LAA, 
it shall be the duty of any and all personnel responsible for, or in possession of records 
relating to the affairs of the LMB, the LMS, the DENRCARP National Secretariat and its 
field offices, the LRA and the ROD to protect and preserve such records. 
Without prejudice to any other penalties provided for by law, any person who fails 
to fulfill his/her duty pursuant to the above paragraph shall be guilty of an offense 
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against the provisions of this Act, punishable by a fine of not less than One million 
pesos (Pl,OOO,OOO.OO) 
or imprisonment of not more than five years, or both, at the 
discretion of the court. 
SECTION 36. Saving Clause. - All orders, determination, rules, regulations, 
permits, certificates, licenses and privileges which have been issued, made or granted 
effective by the former LMB, LMS, LRA, ROD, DENR-CARP National Secretariat and its 
field offices, and LAMP, or their predecessors shall continue to be in effect according to 
their terms until modified, terminated, superseded, set aside or repealed. 
No suit, action or other proceedings commenced by or against any officer in his 
official capacity as an officer of any division or unit of the former LMB, LMS, LRA, ROD, 
DENR-CARP National Secretariat and its field offices, and LAMP, the functions of 
which are transferred by this Act to the LAA shall abate by reason of this Act. In like 
manner, no cause of action by or against such division or unit or by or against any 
officer thereof in his official capacity shall abate by reason of the enactment of this Act. 
Causes of actions, suits or other proceedings may be asserted for or against the LAA or 
such official of the LAA, as may be appropriate. 
ARTICLE VI1 
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS 
SECTION 37. Use of Income and Other Sources of Funds. - The LAA is hereby 
authorized to use thirty hundred percent (30%) of all revenues derived from fees, 
charges, fines, penalties and other sources for capital outlay on infrastructure, 
procurement of equipment and services related to the integration, updating and 
maintenance of computer-based land information and database system, training and 
skills upgrading including personnel capacity building of LAA. 
The LAA shall be allowed to receive, hold and utilize funds from grants, 
donations, contributions and other gratuitous sources both foreign and local for the 
implementation of its mandate, programs and projects, subject to existing rules and 
regulations. 
SECTION 38. Assurance Fund. - A special account within the LAA is hereby 
created for the ,entire proceeds of the Assurance Fund, which shall no longer be paid to 
the National Treasurer as provided for in Section 94 of Presidential Decree No. 1529. 
Claims from the Assurance Fund shall be heard, decided and determined by the LAB. 
All pending cases or claims against the Assurance Fund now being handled by the 
Bureau of Treasury, through the Office of the Solicitor General, shall likewise be 
transferred to the LAB. Thereafter, the National Treasurer shall no longer be impleaded 
as party in any action against the Assurance Fund. 
SECTION 39. Indemnification of Officials and Personnel. - The LAA shall 
indemnify all officials and personnel for all costs and expenses reasonably incurred by 
such persons in connection with any civil or criminal actions, suits or proceedings to 
which they may be or made a party by reason of the performance of their functions or 
duties, unless they are finally adjudged in such actions or proceedings to be liable. 
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In the event of settlement or compromise, indemnification shall be provided only 
in connection with such matters covered by the settlement as to which the LAA is 
advised by an external counsel that the persons to be indemnified did not commit any 
gross negligence or misconduct. 
The costs and expenses incurred in defending the aforementioned action, suit or 
proceeding may be paid by the LAA in advance of the final disposition of such action, 
suit or proceeding upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of the Director 
General wherein the official or employee shall repay the amount advanced should it 
ultimately be determined by the LAA that such official or employee is not entitled to be 
indemnified as provided in this section. 
SECTION. 40. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within sixty (60) days 
from the effectivity of this Act, the LAA shall promulgate the rules and regulations to 
implement the provisions of this Act. Said rules and regulations shall be submitted to 
the Congressional Oversight Committee for approval. In the process of the formulation 
of the IRR for this Act, consultations shall be made with the Stakeholders’ Advisory 
Committee and submitted to the Office of the President for approval. Copies of the IRR 
shall be distributed to the Congressional Oversight Committee on Land Administration 
created under Section 42 hereof. (Note: Publication of IRR not resolved) 
SECTION 41. Congressional Oversight Committee on the Land Administratioit 
Reform Act. - There is hereby created a Congressional Oversight Committee composed 
of seven Members from the Senate and seven Members from the House of 
Representatives to be designated by the Senate President and the House Speaker, 
respectively. The Committee on Environment and Natural Resources shall act as chair. 
The Congressional Oversight Committee, which shall function for a period of not 
more than three years, shall review the implementing rules promulgated by the LAA 
including the procedures on claims against the Assurance Fund and shall oversee the 
implementation of this Act. 
The secretariat of the Congressional Oversight Committee shall be drawn from the 
existing secretariat personnel of the committees of the Senate and the House of 
Representatives comprising the oversight committee and the funding for its operations 
shall be taken from the existing budget of the concerned committees. 
SECTION 42. Separability Clause. - Should any provision of this Act or any part 
hereof be declared unconstitutional or invalid by a court, the other provisions hereof 
which are not affected thereby shall remain in force and effect. 
SECTION 43. Repeazing Clause. - The provisions of PD 1529 pertaining to the 
assurance fund, and their implementing rules and regulations are hereby amended or 
modified accordingly. 
All other laws, decrees, orders, instructions, proclamations, rules and regulations 
or parts thereof, including pertinent provisions of Commonwealth Act No. 141, Act No. 
496, Presidential Decree No. 1529, Executive Order No. 192 and its related rules and 
regulations; Executive Order No. 469 dated February 11, 1981 and the subsequent 
13 


Presidential Memorandum Circular dated 30 September 1988 and their related rules 
and regulations; and the Administrative Code of 1987, which are inconsistent with any 
provision of this Act, are hereby repealed, modified, or amended accordingly. 
SECTION 44. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
complete publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. 
Approved, 
14