SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
) 
) 
) 
SENATE 
S.B. No. 99 
Introduced by Senator LOREN LEGARDA 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
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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 II of the 1987 Philippine Constitution provides that, U the State 
shall promote comprehensive rural development and agrarian reform." In 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 
offsprings. There is no question of the positive effects of land reform - numerous 
studies affirm the 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 which 
hinder proper land administration. 
These issues are comprised largely of the defects of the implementing arm of the 
government and partly by a lack of complementary laws that will enable a more 
efficient land administration system. These issues cause inefficiencies (e.g. extensiiTe 
delays in the dispOSition and titling of alienable and disposable lands, inaccurate and 
incomplete land information and records, as well as 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 legislation that will streamline the framework and the 
processes to address the following specific issues: 
• 
Overlapping, inconsistent and outdated land-related laws 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 for planning and development 
• 
Bureaucratic land administrative systems and procedures 
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 


SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
) 
) 
) 
SENATE 
99 
S.B.No. __ 
Introduced by Senator LOREN LEGARDA 
AN ACT 
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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 2013". 
SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy.- 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 
developm:ent, 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 
(d) 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 


1 
terms shall, unless the context indicates otherwise, have the following meanings: 
2 
(a) "Alienable and disposable lands" refers to agricultural lands of the public 
3 
domain which have been delineated, classified and certified as available for disposition 
4 
under the Public Land Act. 
5 
(b) " Agricultural lands" refers to lands devoted to or suitable for the cultivation 
6 
of the soil, planting of crops or growing of trees, and not classified as mineral land, 
7 
forest land or national park, or subclassified as residential land, commercial land or 
8 
industrial land. 
9 
(c) "Automated registration system" refers to a system using appropriate 
1 0 
technology for scanning, recording and land registration using electronic devices to 
1 I 
store the copy of certificates of title and other documents relative thereto. 
12 
(d) "Classification and reclassification" refers to the act of Congress in setting the 
13 
specific limits of forest lands and national parks, and increasing or decreasing their 
14 
boundaries by law, as provid~d for in Article XII, Section 4 of the 1987 Philippine 
15 
Constitution. 
16 
(e) "Consulfa" refers to the procedure wherein the issue of registrability of certain 
17 
instruments is resolved in accordance with Presidential Decree No. 1529. 
18 
(f) "Director General" refers to the person occupying the position of Director 
19 
General of the Land Administration Authority created by this Act. 
20 
(g) "Land refers to resources, both man-made and natural, found on the surface, 
21 
below and above the ground, including inland waters and the air therein. 
22 
(h) "Land Administration and Management Project (LAMP)" refers to the project 
23 
office providing technical and administrative support to the interagency endeavor of 
24 
the Philippine government to identify strategic directions toward land administration 
25 
reform in land institutions, laws, taxes and fees, and valuation. 
26 
(i) "Land administration and public Jand management" refers to the 
27 
administration of all functions, powers and activities related to the mapping, land 
28 
survey, classification, ownership, disposition and registration of land titles and deeds, 
29 
and the management of public lands. 
30 
G) "Land Information System" refers to a system of linking textual attributes 
31 
(such as ownership, identity, location and value) of land into spatial reference designed 
32 
to facilitate access to information and assist in planning and decision-making. 
33 
(k) "Land Management Bureau (LMB)" refers to the staff bureau of the 
34 
Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). 
35 
(1) "Land Management Services (LMS)" refers to the land management sector or 
2 


offices of the DENR at the regional, provincial and district level. 
2 
(m) "Land registration case" refers to the proceeding, either administrative or 
3 
judicial, for registering the title to, or interest in, a land so that such title or interest 
4 
becomes a matter for public record, and all persons who have interest in the land may 
5 
be informed thereof, actually or constructively, and be bound thereby if they make no 
6 
objections thereto within a specific time. 
7 
(n) "Land Registration Authority (LRA)" refers to the attached agency of the 
8 
Department of Justice (DOD, including the Registers of Deeds (ROD). 
9 
(0) "National Mapping and Resources Information Authority (NAMRIA)" refers 
1 0 
to the agency known by that name attached to the DENR. 
11 
(p) "President" refers to the President of the Philippines. 
12 
(q) "Public domain" refers to lands that belong to the State, which may either be 
13 
agricultural, forest or timber, mineral or national park as provided for in the 
14 
Constitution. 
15 
(1') "Public lands" refers to lands which have not been subject to private property 
16 
rights or subject to sale or other modes of acquisition or concession under general laws, 
17 
and are devoted to public use. 
18 
19 
20 
21 
ARTICLE 11 
CREATION OF THE LAND ADMINISTRATION AUTHORITY 
22 
SEC. 4. Creation of the Land Administration Authority (LAA). - To carry out the 
23 
purposes of this Act, the Land Administration Authority (LAA) is hereby created and 
24 
placed under the Office of the President. It shall be the primary government agency 
25 
responsible for land administration and public land management. 
26 
27 
SEC. 5. General Powers and Functions of the LAA.- The LAA shall exercise the 
28 
following powers and functions: 
29 
30 
a) Land Survey & Mapping 
31 
32 
33 
34 
35 
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 
3 


1 
2 
3 
4 
5 
6 
7 
8 
9 
10 
11 
12 
13 
14 
15 
16 
17 
18 
19 
20 
21 
22 
23 
24 
25 
26 
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 
I 
otherwise known as the National Integrated Protected· Areas System 
(NIP AS); 
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. 
27 
b) Land Registration 
28 
29 
1) Register original titles to land and subsequent dealings in registered lands 
30 
under the provisions of Act No. 496 and Presidential Decree No. 1529 as 
31 
amended; provided, that prior to registering a tenure instrument and 
32 
issuing an original certificate of title based thereon, the LAA shall first 
33 
verify compliance with the conditions and requirements prescribed under 
34 
the law authorizing the issuance of said tenure instrument; 
35 
2) Establish and maintain an appropriate custodial and storage system that 
4 


I 
shall ensure the security and integrity of all registration and titling 
2 
records, subject to the provisions of Act No. 496, Presidential Decree 1529 
3 
and pertinent laws; and 
4 
3) Compile a nationwide master list of suspected spurious land titles and 
5 
tenure instruments, undertake thorough investigation of the same and, 
6 
when merited, initiate the proper proceedings for the cancellation thereof 
7 
by a 'competent court; provided, that cancellation of instruments which 
8 
have not yet been registered under the Torrens system as provided under 
9 
existing laws and which are found to be spurious shall be effected by the 
10 
LAA under rules and procedures that it shall promulgate consistent with 
II 
this Act and existing laws, and provided further, that patently fake titles 
12 
shall also be dealt with administratively by the LAA. 
13 
14 
c) Public Land Administration 
15 
16 
17 
18 
19 
20 
21 
22 
23 
24 
25 
26 
27 
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 that 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. 
28 
d) Land Records and Information Technology 
29 
1) Establish and maintain a secure, integrated, and accessible computerized 
30 
database of all survey and mapping records, registration and titling 
31 
records and other land information data, and ensure the timely updating 
32 
of said database; and 
33 
2) Establish and maintain an open system to provide convenient nationwide 
34 
public access to survey, mapping, registration, titling and other land data; 
35 
subject, however, to the requirements of security and confidentiality 
5 


I 
under existing laws. 
2 
3 
e) Formulate and recommend policies and programs to achieve the intent and 
4 
purposes of this Act; 
5 
f) Determine, fix and collect reasonable amounts to be charged as fees, fines and 
6 
penalties in the implementation of this Act; 
7 
g) Receive grants and donations; 
8 
h) Conduct, regulate, verify and approve all types of land surveys including 
9 
surveys intended for the implementation of Commonwealth Act No. 141, as amended, 
10 
Republic Act No. 6657 or the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law (CARL) and 
II 
Republic Act No. 8371 or the Indigenous Peoples' Rights Act of 1997 (IPRA); 
12 
i) Enter into contracts in the implementation of this Act, subject to existing laws; 
13 
j) Perform such other powers and functions as are currently lodged with the 
14 
LRA/RoD, LMB/LMS, NAMRIA, DENR-CARP National Secretariat under PD 1529, 
15 
CA 141 as amended and other existing laws and issuances; and 
16 
k) Perform such other functions as are necessary, proper and incidental to 
17 
implement the provisions of this Act. (Whenever any reference is made to the 
18 
LRA/RoD, the LMB/LMS and the DENR-CARP National Secretariat under Executive 
19 
Order No. 192, Presidential Decree No. 1529 and Commonwealth Act No. 141, as 
20 i 
amended, pertaining to a duty, power, purpose, responsibility or jurisdiction 
21 
transferred to the LAA by this Act, it shall be deemed to be a reference to, and to mean, 
22 
the LAA and the Director General of the LAA, as the case may be.) 
23 
24 
SECTION 6. Stakeholders' Advisory Committee. - The LAA shall be assisted by 
25 
a Stakeholders' Advisory Committee composed of the follOWing: 
26 
27 
(a) Nine representatives from the basic sectors chosen through the nomination 
28 
process of the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC); 
29 
(b) Three (3) representatives from the private sector appointed by the President: 
30 
Provided, that one shall come from the business sector and another one from the 
31 
Geodetic Engineer's sector; 
32 
(c) Three (3) representatives from the League of Municipalities, Cities and 
33 
Provinces, respectively; 
34 
(d) The Director General, as ex-officio member 
35 
6 


1 
The President shall designate the chairperson from among the members of the 
2 
committee. Except the LAA Director General, the members of the advisory committee 
3 
shall not hold office in the LAA nor receive any salary but shall be entitled, for actual 
4 
attendance during meetings, to such allowances and honoraria as are allowed by the 
5 
rules and regulations promulgated by the Commission on Audit. 
6 
7 
SECTION 7. Functions of the Stakeholders' AdVisory Committee. - The 
8 
committee shall advise the LAA on the formulation of policies and policy development 
9 
pertaining to land administration and public land management and shall monitor their 
10 
implementation. It shall submit, within three months following the end of each calendar 
11 
year, a report to the President on its advisory and monitoring activities. 
12 
13 
SECTION 8. Meetings of the Committee. - The chairperson shall convene regular 
14 
meetings of the committee at least once every quarter. Special meetings may also be 
15 
called by the chairperson or at the initiative of at least three members. 
16 
17 
SECTION 9. Secretariat and Logistical Support. - The office of the LAA Director 
18 
General shall provide secretariat and logistical support to the committee. 
19 
20 
ARTICLE III 
21 
IMPLEMENTING MECHANISM 
22 
23 
SECTION 10. Structure and Organization. - The LAA shall consist of: 
24 
(a) The office of the Director General; 
25 
(b) The offices of the Deputy Directors General; 
26 
(c) The offices of the Assistant Directors General; and 
27 
(d) Land offices. 
28 
29 
SECTION 11. The Director General. - The authority and responsibility for the 
30 
exercise of the mandate of the LAA, the accomplishment of its objectives and the 
31 
discharge of its powers and functions shall be vested in the Director General, of cabinet 
32 
rank, who shall be appointed by the President. The Director General shall have the 
33 
following functions: 
34 
(a) Advise the President on the promulgation of rules, regulations and other 
35 
issuances relative to land administration and public land management; 
7 


1 
(b) Serve as ex officio member of each division of the Land Adjudication Board 
2 
(c) Establish policies and standards for the efficient and effective operations of 
3 
(d) Promulgate rules, regulations and other issuances necessary in carrying out 
4 
(e) Exercise control and supervision over all functions and activities of the LAA; 
5 
(f) Delegate authority over all powers, functions and activities of the LAA; and 
6 
(g) Perform such other functions as may be provided by law or assigned by the 
7 
issuances 'relative to land administration and public land management; pursuant to 
8 
Section 16 hereof; the LAA in accordance with the programs of the government; the 
9 
LAA's mandate, objectives, policies, plans, programs and projects; 
10 
SECTION 12. Office of the Director General. - The office of the Director General 
11 
shall consist of the Director General, his immediate staff and the office of the Legal 
12 
Services. 
13 
14 
SECTION 13. Deputy Directors General. - The Director General shall be assisted 
15 
by at least three Deputy Directors General who shall be appOinted by the President.' At 
16 
least one of the Deputy Directors General shaH be a member of the bar or a geodetic 
17 
engineer with at least five years experience in any land administration function. The 
18 
Director General is hereby authorized to delineate, assign and/ or reassign the 
19 
respective functional areas of responsibility of the Deputy Directors General Provided, 
.20 
That no Deputy Director General. shaH be assigned primarily administrative , 
21 
responsibilities. Within his functional area of responsibility, a Deputy Director General 
22 
shall have the foHowing functions: 
23 
(a) Advise the Director General in the promulgation of administrative orders and 
24 
other issuances with respect to his area of responsibility; 
25 
(b) Exercise supervision over the offices, departments or operating units, and 
26 
officers and employees under his responsibility; 
27 
(c) Promulgate rules and regulations that will efficiently and effectively govern 
28 
the activities of the units under his responsibility; 
29 
(d) Coordinate the functions and activities of the units under his responsibility 
30 
with those of other units under the responsibility of other Deputy Directors General; 
31 
(e) Exercise authority on substantive and administrative matters related to the 
32 
functions and activities of the units under his responsibility as may be delegated by the 
33 
Director General; and 
34 
(f) Perform such other functions as may be provided by law or assigned by the 
8 


1 
Director General. 
2 
3 
SECTION 14. Assistant Directors General. - The Director General and Deputy 
4 
Directors General shall be assisted by five Assistant Directors General in the 
5 
formulation, management and implementation of land administration and public land 
6 
management laws, policies, plans, programs and projects. 
7 
8 
SECTION 15. Land Offices. - Permanent field offices at the city and provincial 
9 
levels are hereby established and shall be called Land Offices. The LAA may also 
10 
establish additional Land Offices in a city or province as it may be determined for the 
11 
efficient and effective delivery of its services. Provided, that provinces and cities with 
12 
existing Registry of Deeds upon approval of this Act shall automatically establish Land 
13 
Offices. 
14 
15 
The Land Offices shall be headed by an Executive Land Officer. He/She shall 
16 
exercise general supervision on land survey, land regish'ation, public land 
17 
administration and record and information management within his/her jurisdiction. 
18 
He/She shall also implement such other functions of the LAA in his/her respective area 
19 
of responsibility as may be delegated by the Director General to provide a more 
20 
efficient and effective delivery of services. Provided, that the registration personnel 
21 
shall continue to exercise its other registration functions in accordance with existing 
22 
laws. 
23 
24 
25 
26 
ARTICLE IV 
LAND ADJUDICATION BOARD 
27 
SECTION 16. Creation of the Land Adjudication Board (LAB). - There is hereby 
28 
created a Land Adjudication Board (LAB). The LAB shall be the quasi-judicial body of 
29 
the LAA and shall have the following functions: 
30 
31 
(a) Exercise exclusive original jurisdiction over all matters involving the 
, 
32 
implementation of laws, rules and regulations on land administration and public land 
33 
management, and all cases and / or controversies arising therefrom; Provided, that all 
34 
petitions for the correction of clerical or typographical errors committed in writing, 
35 
copying, transcribing, or typing of an entry in the maps, survey plans, and certificate of 
9 


I 
land titles shall be administratively addressed by the LAA Land Offices; 
2 
3 
(b) Exercise exclusive original jurisdiction on conflicts arising from the 
4 
determination and adjudication in land administration and public land management 
5 
matters, except cases falling under the jurisdiction of the Department of Agrarian 
6 
Reform (DAR) under the CARP law and the National Commission on Indigenous 
7 
Peoples under the IPRA law unless specifically provided herein. Provided, that 
8 
jurisdiction over conflicts and cases arising from ownership of private lands shall 
9 
remain with the regular courts. Provided further that existing cases on land ownership 
10 
and conflicts pending in the regular courts shall remain under the court's jurisdiction 
II 
unless otherwise remanded by the courts to the LAA or LAB for disposition subject to 
12 
the pertinent provisions of this Act. 
13 
14 
The LAB shall be under the administrative supervision of the Director General 
15 
and shall be divided into three divisions. Each division shall exercise equal powers, 
16 
independently resolving cases raised on appeal from the decisions of the Local Land 
17 
Adjudication Boards, created pursuant to Section 14 hereof, from Luzon, Visayas, and 
18 
Mindanao: Provided, That the divisions assigned to handle cases from Visayas artd 
19 
Mindanao shall hold permanent office in any of the cities therein. 
20 
21 
SECTION 17. Composition. - Each division of the LAB shall be composed of 
22 
three permanent members who shall be appoi.nted by the President Provided, That the 
23 
Director General of the LAA shall sit as ex officio or fourth member of each division. The 
24 
permanent members of each division shall elect their presiding officer. 
25 
26 
SECTION 18. Local Land Adjudication Board. - Local Land Adjudication Boards 
27 
(LLAB) are hereby created in all provincial and city Land Offices that shall serve as first 
28 
level board. The LLAB shall be composed of three (3) members. The Presiding Officer 
29 
shall be the Executive Land Officer, the two other members shall be the head of, the 
30 
local surveys unit and the head of the local registration unit. Decisions, orders, and 
31 
resolutions of the Local Land Adjudication Board shall be raised on appeal to the LAB. 
32 
33 
SECTION 19. Budget and Administrative Support. - The LAB shall determine 
34 
and propose its budgetary requirements and shall be submitted as part of the LAAs 
35 
budget request. Disbursements of the approved budget resources shall be the sole 
10 


1 
responsibility of the LAB. Secretariat services shall be provided by the LAA. 
2 
3 
SECTION 20. Proceedings and Procedures. - The LAB shall not be bound by 
4 
technical rules of procedure and evidence but shaH proceed to hear and decide all cases, 
5 
disputes or controversies in a most expeditious manner, employing all reasonable 
6 
means to ascertain the facts of every case in accordance with justice and equity and the 
7 
merits of the case. Towards this end, it shall adopt a uniform rules of procedure to 
8 
achieve a just, expeditious and inexpensive determination of merits: Provided, That it 
9 
shall endeavor to settle disputes and controversies amicably. 
10 
In the exercise of its functions, the LAB shall have the power to summon 
11 
witnesses, administer oaths, take testimony, require submission of reports, compel the 
12 
production of books and documents and answers to interrogatories, issue subpoena and 
l3 
subpoena duces tecum and enforce its writs through sheriffs or other duly deputized 
14 
officers. It shall punish direct and indirect contempt in the same manner and subject to 
15 
the same penalties .. as provided for in the Rules of Court. 
16 
17 
Responsible persons shall be allowed to represent themselves or their 
18 
organizations in any proceedings before the LAB: Provided however, That when there are 
19 
two or more representatives for any individual or group, the representatives should 
20 
choose only one from among themselves to represent such party or group before any 
21 
LAB proceedings. 
22 
23 
SECTION 21. Finality of Determination. - Any case or controversy before the 
24 
LAB shall be decided within thirty (30) days after it is submitted for resolution. Only 
25 
one motion for reconsideration shall be allowed. Moreover, any order, award, ruling or 
26 
decision shall be final after the lapse of fifteen (15) days from receipt by the parties oii a 
27 
copy thereof. 
28 
29 
SECTION 22. Frivolous Appeals. - To discourage frivolous or dilatory appeals 
30 
from the decisions, awards, rulings or orders, the LAB may impose reasonable penalties 
31 
including, but not limited to, fines or censures upon erring parties. 
32 
33 
11 


I 
ARTICLE V 
2 
JUDICIAL REVIEW 
3 
4 
SECTION 23. Certiorari. - Any decision, order, award or ruling of the LAA on 
5 
any dispute or on any matter pertaining to the application, implementation, 
6 
enforcement or interpretation of this Act and other pertinent laws on land 
7 
administration and public land management may be brought to the Court of Appeals 
8 
by certiorari within fifteen (15) days from the receipt of a copy thereof. 
9 
10 
The findings of fact of the LAA shall be final and conclusive if based on 
11 
substantial evidence. 
12 
13 
SECTION 24. Restraining Order or Preliminary Injunction. - Only the Court of 
14 
Appeals and the Supreme Court of the Philippines shall have jurisdiction to issue any 
\ 
15 
restraining order or writ of preliminary injunction against the LAA or any of its duly 
16 
authorized or designated offices in any case, dispute or controversy arising from, 
17 
necessary to, or in connection with the application, implementation, enforcement or 
18 
interpretation of this Act and other pertinent laws on land administration and public 
19 
land management. 
20 
21 
SECTION. 25. Procedure on Review. - Review by the Court of Appeals or the 
22 
Supreme Court, as the case may be, shall be governed by the Rules of Court. The Court 
23 
of Appeals, however, may require the parties to file simultaneous memoranda within a 
24 
period of fifteen (15) days from notice, after which the case is deemed submitted for 
25 
decision. 
26 
27 
SECTION 26. Authenticity and Validity of Land Record and Titles - The LAA 
28 
shall have the sole authority and power to validate, authenticate and reconstitute land 
29 
titles and land ownership records and information; Provided, that existing cases filed 
30 
under the regular courts shall remain under its jurisdiction unless remanded to the 
31 
LAA. 
32 
ARTICLE VI 
33 
TRANSITORY PROVISIONS 
34 
35 
SECTION 27. TranSfer of Powers and Transition Plan. - The powers and 
12 


I 
functions of the LAA heretofore vested by law in the DENR, DOJ, LRA/RoD: 
2 
LMB/LMS and DENR-CARP National Secretariat or in any office within or attached to 
3 
these agencies, are hereby transferred to and vested in the Office of the Director 
4 
General. The Director General shall be responsible for the identification, preparation 
5 
and formulation of a transition plan to ensure the smooth and seamless transfer and 
6 
assumption of powers, functions and personnel from the abovementioned agencies to 
7 
the LAA; Provided, that such transition plan shall be prepared, formulated and 
8 
developed in consultation with the affected agencies and its representative 
9 
stakeholders; Provided further, that the transition plan shall integrate such other actions 
10 
and activities necessary, including provisions under this section and as provided for 
11 
under this Act to complete the transition to the LAA. 
12 
13 
SECTION 28. Transfer of the NAMRIA as an Attached Agency of the LAA.- The 
14 
NAMRIA is hereby attached to the LAA. It shall retain its structure, budgetary 
15 
allocation under the current General Appropriations Act, and all properties, equipment, 
16 
and other facilities necessary in the performance of its mandate. 
17 
18 
SECTION 29. Organization of the LAA. - The LANs organizational and 
19 
administrative structure and functions and staffing pattern, including the personnel's 
20 
duties and responsibilities and the appropriate compensation package shall be 
21 
submitted by the Director General within six (6) months upon approval of this Act for 
22 
review and approval of the President and shall be fully implemented within a period of 
23 
six (6) months after such approval of the President. 
24 
25 
SECTION 30. Transfer of Personnel. - To ensure a smooth transition, ~ll 
26 
incumbent personnel of the DENR's LMB/LMS, DENR-CARP National Secretariat and 
27 
its field offices, the DOj's LRA/RoD shall continue to perform their present duties and 
28 
functions as interim personnel of the LAA until such time, being not later than twelve 
29 
(12) months from the effectivity of this Act, that the regular staff of the LAA, based on 
30 
the new staffing pattern, shall have been appointed Provided that all incumbent and 
31 
qualified personnel of the DENRs LMB/LMS, DENR-CARP National Secretariat and its 
32 
field offices, the DOj's LRA/RoD shall be allowed to fill up the appropriate positions 
33 
for regular personnel of the LAA and its field offices Provided further, That the regular 
34 
personnel shall be appointed by the Director General, or his/her duly authorized 
35 
representative, on the basis of merit, previous permanent appOintment, fitness, and 
13 


1 
seniority. 
2 
3 
SECTION 31. Separation Pay and Other Benefits. - Personnel who are not 
4 
offered appointment within twelve (12) months upon the effectivity of this Act under 
5 
the new staffing pattern of the LAA on at least equivalent terms and conditions as their 
6 
present employment by reason of duplication or redundancy and those who decline an 
7 
appointment in the LAA by reason of diminution in rank and conditions shall be 
8 
entitled to the separation pay and other benefits in accordance with Sections 10.1 to 10.3 
9 
and 13 of Executive Order No. 366 dated October 4, 2004. 
10 
SECTION 32. Re-employment. - Government personnel who are separated as a 
11 
result of the integration of the aforementioned offices may apply for positions and be 
12 
employed in other agencies or branches of the government including government-
13 
owned and/or-controlled corporations (GOCCs), government financial institutions 
14 
(GFls) or local government units (LGUs). 
15 
16 
SECTION 33. Unexpended Appropriations and Transfer of Assets. - The 
17 
unexpended balances of appropriations in the current General Appropriations Act and 
18 
other laws in force upon approval hereof, pertaining to, held, or used by, or available to 
19 
the LRA and ROD, the LMB, the LMS, the DENR-CARP National Secretariat and its 
20 
field offices, and the LAMP are hereby transferred to the LAA. 
21 
22 
Such other unexpended balances of appropriations as may be deemed 
23 
appropriate by the Department of Budget and Management for transfer to the LAA 
24 
shall also be so transferred. 
25 
26 
All real and personal properties, assets, liabilities, records, documents, positions, 
27 
appropriations, contracts and agreements which, upon the effectivity of this Act, are 
28 
vested in, or owned, by the LMB/LMS, the DENR-CARP National Secretariat and its 
29 
field offices, the LRA/RoD and the LAMP are hereby transferred to the LAA. 
30 
SECTION 34. Penal Provision. - Any person who sells forms issued and 
31 
distributed gratuitously under this Act or who, being an officer charged with 
32 
distributing them, refuses or fails without sufficient reason to furnish the same shall be 
33 
punished for each offense by a fine of not less than One hundred thousand pesos 
34 
(P100,OOO.OO) and not more than One million pesos (P1,OOO,OOO.OO) or imprisonment of 
35 
not less than six (6) months nor more than three (3) years, or both, at the discretion 'of 
14 


I 
the court. 
2 
3 
Any person, corporation, association or partnership which, not being qualified or 
4 
no longer authorized to apply for registration purposes, files or induces or knowingly 
5 
permits another person, corporation, association or partnership to file an application in 
6 
his/her or its behalf, or for his/her or its interest, benefit or advantage shall be 
7 
punished for each offense by a fine of not less than One hundred thousand pesos 
8 
(PlOO,OOO.OO) or imprisonment of not less than five (5) years, or both, at the discretion of 
9 
the court: Provided, That in case the offender is a corporation, association or partnership, 
10 
their responsible officials shall be deemed jointly and severally liable. The application 
II 
shall also be cancelled. 
12 
13 
Any person who shall, by deceit or fraud, acquire or attempt to acquire lands of 
14 
the public domain or other real property or any right, title or interest, or property right 
15 
of any class to the same, and any person aiding and abetting him therein or serving as a 
16 
means or tool thereof shalt upon conviction, be punished by a fine of not less than One 
17 
hundred thousand pesos (PlOO,OOO.OO) or imprisonment of not less than five (5) years 
18 
nor more than twelve (12) years, or both, at the discretion of the court. 
19 
20 
Any person who shall tamper or attempt to tamper any records of the LAA that 
21 
will result in the acquisition of rights, title or interest over real property and any persqn 
22 
aiding and abetting him therein or serving as a means or tool thereof shall, upon 
23 
conviction, be punished by a fine of not less than Five hundred thousand pesos 
24 
(P500,OOO.OO) or imprisonment of not less than twelve (12) years, or both, at the 
25 
discretion of the court. 
26 
For purposes of this Act, if the offender is a public official or government official 
27 
or employee, he or she shall be, in addition to the existing penalties, removed from 
28 
office, forfeit all retirement benefits except the monetary value of accumulated leave 
29 
credits and be perpetually disqualified from holding any elective or appointive public 
30 
office. 
31 
32 
SECTION 35. Preservation of Records. - The LAA shall have possession and 
33 
control of all records, books, papers, offices, equipment, supplies, moneys, funds, 
34 
appropriations, land and other property, real or personat held for the benefit or use of 
15 


1 
all bodies, offices and officers whose duties, powers and functions have been 
2 
transferred to and conferred upon the Authority. 
3 
4 
Pending a written notice of receipt issued by a duly authorized officer of the 
5 
LAA, it shall be the duty of any and all personnel responsible for, or in possession of 
6 
records relating to the affairs of the LMB, the LMS, the DENRCARP National Secretariat 
7 
and its field offices, the LRA and the ROD to protect and preserve such records. 
8 
9 
Without prejudice to any other penalties provided for by law, any person who 
10 
fails to fulfill his/her duty pursuant to the above paragraph shall be guilty of an offense 
11 
against the provisions of this Act, punishable by a fine of not less than One million 
12 
pesos (Pl,OOO,OOO.OO) or imprisonment of not more than five (5) years, or both, at the 
13 
discretion of the court. 
14 
15 
SECTION 36. Saving Clause. - All orders, determination, rules, regulations, 
16 
permits, certificates, licenses and privileges which have been issued, made or granted 
17 
effective by the former LMB, LMS, LRA, ROD, DENR-CARP National Secretariat and 
18 
its field offices, and LAMP, or their predecessors shall continue to be in effect according 
19 
to their terms until modified, terminated, superseded, set aside or repealed. 
20 
21 
No suit, action or other proceedings commenced by or against any officer in his 
22 
official capacity as an officer of any division or unit of the former LMB, LMS, LRA, 
23 
ROD, DENR-CARP National Secretariat and its field offices, and LAMP, the functions 
24 
of which are transferred by this Act to the LAA shall abate by reason of this Act. In like 
25 
manner, no cause of action by or against such division or unit or by or against any 
26 
officer thereof in his official capacity shall abate by reason of the enactment of this Act. 
27. 
Causes of actions, suits or other proceedings may be asserted for or against the LAA or 
28 
such official of the LAA, as may be appropriate. 
29 
ARTICLE VIl 
30 
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS 
31 
32 
SECTION 37. Use of Income and Other Sources of Funds. - The LAA is hereby 
33 
authorized to use thirty hundred percent (30%) of all revenues derived from fees, 
34 
charges, fines, penalties and other sources for capital outlay on infrastructure, 
16 


I 
procurement of equipment and services related to the integration, updating and 
2 
maintenance of computer-based land information and database system, training and 
3 
skills upgrading induding personnel capacity building of LAA. 
4 
5 
The LAA shall be allowed to receive, hold and utilize funds from grants, 
6 
donations, contributions and other gratuitous sources both foreign and local for the 
7 
implementation of its mandate, programs and projects, subject to existing rules and 
8 
regulations. 
9 
SECTION 38. Assurance Fund. - A special account within the LAA is hereby 
10 
created for the entire proceeds of the Assurance Fund, which shall no longer be paid to 
II 
the National Treasurer as provided for in Section 94 of Presidential Decree No. 1529. 
12 
13 
Claims from the Assurance Fund shall be heard, decided and determined by the 
14 
LAB. All pending cases or claims against the Assurance Fund now being handled by the 
15 
Bureau of Treasury, through the Office of the Solicitor General, shall likewise be 
16 
transferred to the LAB. Thereafter, the National Treasurer shall no longer be impleaded 
17 
as party in any action against the Assurance Fund. 
18 
19 
SECTION 39. Indemnification of Officials and Personnel. - The LAA shall 
20 
indemnify all officials and personnel for all costs and expenses reasonably incurred by 
21 
such persons in connection with any civil or criminal actions, suits or proceedings to 
22 
which they may be or made a party by reason of the performance of their functions or 
23 
duties, unless they are finally adjudged in such actions or proceedings to be liable. 
24 
25 
In the event of settlement or compromise, indemnification shall be provided only 
26 
in connection with such matters covered by the settlement as to which the LAA is 
27 
advised by an external counsel that the persons to be indemnified did not commit any 
28 
gross negligence or misconduct. 
29 
The costs and expenses incurred in defending the aforementioned action, suit or 
30 
proceeding may be paid by the LAA in advance of the final disposition of such action, 
31 
suit or proceeding upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of the Director 
32 
General wherein the official or employee shall repay the amount advanced should it 
33 
ultimately be determined by the LAA that such official or employee is not entitled to be 
34 
indemnified as provided in this section. 
17 


1 
2 
SECTION. 40. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within sixty (60) days 
3 
from the effectivity of this Act, the LAA shall promulgate the rules and regulations to 
4 
implement the provisions of this Act. Said rules and regulations shall be submitted tQ 
5 
the Congressional Oversight Committee for approval. In the process of the formulation 
6 
of the IRR for this Act, consultations shall be made with the Stakeholders' Advisory 
7 
Committee and submitted to the Office of the President for approval. Copies of the IRR 
8 
shall be distributed to the Congressional Oversight Committee on Land Administration 
9 
created under Section 42 hereof .. (Note: Publication of the IRR has not been resolved) 
10 
11 
SECTION 41. Congressional Oversight Committee on the Land Administration 
12 
Reform Act. - There is hereby created a Congressional Oversight Committee composed 
13 
of seven Members from the Senate and seven Members from the House of 
14 
Representatives to be designated by the Senate President and the House Speaker, 
15 
respectively. The Committee on Environment and Natural Resources shall act as chair. 
16 
17 
The Congressional Oversight Committee, which shall function for a period of not 
18 
more than three (3) years, shall review the implementing rules promulgated by the 
19 
LAA, including the procedures on claims against the Assurance Fund and shall oversee 
20 
the implementation of this Act. 
21 
22 
The secretariat of the Congressional Oversight Committee shall be drawn from 
23 
the existing secretariat personnel of the committees of the Senate and the House of 
24 
Representatives comprising the oversight committee and the funding for its operations 
25 
shall be taken from the existing budget of the concerned committees. 
26 
SECTION 42. Separability Clause. - Should any provision of this Act or any part 
27 
hereof be declared unconstitutional or invalid by a court, the other provisions hereof 
28 
which are not affected thereby shall remain in force and effect. 
29 
SECTION 43. Repealing Clause. - The provisions of PD 1529 pertaining to the 
30 
assurance fund, and their implementing rules and regulations are hereby amended or 
31 
modified accordingly. 
32 
33 
All other laws, decrees, orders, instructions, proclamations, rules and regulations 
34 
or parts thereof, including pertinent provisions of Commonwealth Act No. 141, Act No. 
18 


1 
496, Presidential Decree No. 1529, Executive Order No. 192 and its related rules and 
2 
regulations; Executive Order No. 469 dated February 11, 1981 and the subsequent 
3 
Presidential Memorandum Circular dated 30 September 1988 and their related rules 
4 
and regulations; and the Administrative Code of 1987, which are inconsistent with any 
5 
provision of this Act, are hereby repealed, modified, or amended accordingly. 
6 
7 
SECTION 44. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
8 
complete publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. 
9 
10 
Approved, 
19