Republic of the Philippines.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ¥
Quezon City

THIRTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

03

House Bill No.

Introduced by SALACNIB F. BATERINA

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to reform the existing tand administration and
management system in the Philippines by consolidating and streamlining
within a single government agency land administration powers and
functions currently assigned to different government agencies and, for this
purpose, constitute the Land Registration Authority as the principat
government agency for land administration functions and renaming it as
the National Land Administration Reform Authority.

The land administration powers, and functions are currently
dispersed to different government agencies. The performance, however,
of government agencies undertaking land administration functions such
as land surveys mapping, Classification, titling and disposition and
registration is below par. The services being provided by these agencies
are not responsive to our problems on sustainable development, much
more to our global concerns. The problem is compounded by
fundamental legal and institutional defecis in both the structure and
operation of the land administration system. There are many institutions
administering our scarce land resources resulting in contusion, delays, high
transaction costs (government and users}, low investment, and graft and
corruption. There are many laws dealing with land administration which
need to be reconciled with each other and made more responsive to
present needs.

Such defects in land administration have also given rise to major
inefficiencies including delays in the disposition and titling of alienable
and disposable land, inaccurate and incomplete land information and
records, duplicate and fake fitles, duplication and overlap of activities
between government agencies, and unnecessary costs to both the
national and local governments and the users/clients of land
administration services.

There is an urgent need to introduce necessary reforms in the land
administration system. One of the fundamental prerequisite to the pursuit
of the necessary reforms is the consolidation and streamlining within a

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single government agency of land administration powers and functions
currently dispersed across the Land registration Authority and Registry of
Deeds of tne Department of Justice, the Land Management Bureaus,
Land Management Services in the regional, provincial, city and municipal
office, National Mapping and Resources information Autharity,.all of the *
Department of Environment and Natura! Resources, LRA-CARP, Housing
and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB) and CARP Secretariat and its field
offices. Without integrating these agencies, it will be difficult to undertake
the major long term investment of resources that will be necessary to
implement the required reforms.

The proposed constitution of the Land Registration Authority as a
body corporate to be known as the National Land Administration Reform
Authority, integrating the other goverment agencies concerned to this
single body will ensure the quality performance and services of the Land
Administration of the country.

Approval of this bill is urgently and anxiously solicited.

SALACNII RINA.


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

THIRTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No. 03

Introduced by SALACNIB F. BATERINA

AN ACT CREATING THE NATIONAL LAND ADMINISTRATION AUTHORITY,
RATIONALIZING THE ORGANIZATION AND FUNCTIONS OF GOVERNMENT
AGENCIES RELATED TO LAND ADMINISTRATION, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines
in Congress assembled:

CHAPTER !
GENERAL PROVISIONS
SEC. 1. Short Tile. ~ This Act shall be known as “National Land Administration
Reform Act of 2004."
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - \t is hereby declared the policy of the State
to:

(a)Undertake a comprehensive and continuing land
administration program which shall make the acquisition
and registration of real property affordable, and expeditious
system of registration of property under the Torrens system;

(b)To provide leadership in reforms in land administration and
management by establishing a single and unified body
charged with the execution of the laws relative to
registration and administration of lands;

(c) Adopt the workable policies that will accelerate and
complete the fitling and registration of alienable &
disposable lands, thereby providing security of land tenure
for alll;

(d) Establish a sustainable and viable land administration by
adopting the computerization of the Jand registration


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process nationwide, and to provide accurate land

information system;

{e)Encourage more effective people's participation by
institutionalizing their involvement at all levels of land
administration and development.

(f) Rationalize the structure, powers and functions of the
different land administration agencies and integrate all land
administration and registration policies, plans, programs and
projects of various government agencies to increase the
efficiency of the operations of land titling system of the
government, with expeditious delivery of services that are
viable with sustainable land administration programs and
projects.

SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. — For purposes of this Act, the following terms or
words and phrases used shall mean or understood as follows:

(a) Authority - refers to National Land Administration Reform
Authority

{b) Administrator ~ refers to the person occupying the position of
Administrator of the National Land Administration Reform
Authority.

{c) Land - Refers to resources, both man-made and natural, found
on the surface, below and above the ground including land,
waters, and air therein.

(d) Allenable and disposable lands - refer to lands of public
domain which have been delineated, classified and
certified as such and available for disposition under the
Public Land Act (Act 141).

{e) Agricuttural lands ~ refer to lands devoted to or suitable
for the cultivation of the soil, planting crops, growing
trees and not classified as mineral land, forest land,
residential land, commercial land or industrial land.

(f) Public domain — refers to lands which belong fo the State
which may either be agricultural, forest or timber, mineral
or national park as provided for in the Constitution.

(g) Public tands - refer to lands which have not been subject to
private property rights or subject to sale or other modes of


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acquisition of concession, under the general laws and are
devoted to public use.

{h)Land Registration - pertains to the proceeding, either
administrative or judicial, for registering the title to, or interest
in, a land in the Office of the Registration Officer 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.

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Automated Registration System - a system using appropriate
technology for scanning, recording, and registering using
electronic devices to store the copy of Certificate of Title
and other documents relative thereto.

(i) Land Administration - refers to the administration and

management of all public lands and functions, powers and
activities related to the mapping, land survey, classification,
ownership, disposition, valuation and registration of land
titles and deeds.

(k) Adjudication Commission — refers to the body which settles
all the disputes related to land administration.

SEC. 4, Statement of Objectives. - Toward this end, the State shall:

{a)Formulate and oversee the implementation of a
comprehensive land administration and development
policy as an integral part of the national land reforms
development plans;

(b) Establish an effective sustainable land administration system
that ensures reliable land registration system;

(c)Encourage participation of all stakeholders in land
administration such as local government units (LGUs), non-
government organizations (NGOs), people's organizations

(POs) and the private sector.

CHAPTER II
THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCY

SEC. 5. Creation of National Land Administration Reform Authority. - To carry
out the above-declared policy, there is hereby created a National Land


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Reform Administration Authority, herein refered to as the Authority
integrating herewith the Lands Management Bureau (LMB), Lands
Management Services (LMS), Land Registration Authority (LRA), National
Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA), and DENR - CARP
National Secretariat and LRA ~ CARP.

The Authority shall be the primary agency of the Government that
will prepare, integrate, coordinate, supervise and implement plans,
Programs, projects and activities of the government relative to land
administration functions.

SEC. 6, Powers and Functions. - The Authority shall have the following
Powers and functions:

{a} Formulate and implement land administration policies in

accordance with the existing national laws;

(b) Exercise supervision and control over all Land Registration
Officer and other personnel of the Authority;

(c) Registration of all Original Certificates of Title and issuance
of subsequent Transfer Certificates of Title pursuant to
provisions of Act No. 496 as amended by Presidential
Decree No. 1529, Act 141 and Republic Act No. 6657,
otherwise known as the Land Registration Act, Public Land
Act and Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law, respectively;

(d) Integrate surveys, administration, and management of all
alienable and disposable lands of the public domains;

(e) Execution of all cadastral surveys pursuant to the provisions
of Act No. 2259, including all other kinds of surveys for
national mapping, land titling and other related purposes;

(f) Determine, fix and collect reasonable amounts to be
charged as administrative fees, fines and penalties relative
to the land administration;

(g)Promulgate rules, regulations, circulars and other
administrative issuances as may be necessary to
implements the provisions of this Act;

(h)Survey the political boundaries and the delineation
between alienable and disposable land/areas, and
forestlands, national parks such as watershed areas,
reservations and other protected areas and foreshore lands;


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Exclusive central repository of records relative to original
registration of lands titled under the Torrens system, including
subdivision and consolidation titled and untitled lands; and

Establish Regional One Stop Shops to provide accessible,
efficient and affordable land administration services to the

people.

{k) implement the existing rules and policies pursuant to Act No.
496 and Presidential Decree 1529 and other acts not
inconsistent with this Act as are necessary to achieve its
purposes;

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Verify and approve all surveys executed covering public

and private land, simple and complex subdivision and

consolidation — subdivision plans of properties titles under

Act No. 496 except those cover by PD 957;

(m) Survey, map, maintain database on, to support the
determination of specific limits of forest lands and national
parks by Congress as provided under Section 4, Article Xi! of
the Constitution;

{n) Survey, map, maintain database on, administer, manage
and/or dispose of all alienable and disposable lands of the
public domain and other lands, including foreshore and
marsh lands, under the provisions of Commonwealth Act
No. 141, as amended, otherwise known as the Public Land
Act, and in accordance with existing laws such as, but not
limited to, RA 8550, RA 7279 and RA 6657;

(0) Manage, sell and/or dispose the remaining Friar Lands under
the provisions of Act No. 1120, as amended, and in
accordance with existing laws;

{p) Manage and dispose lands of patrimonial property of the
National Government under the provisions of Act No. 3038,
‘or such other Goverment lands as have not been placed
under the administration, management, control or exclusive
use of any other government agency by legislative or
executive issuance.

(a)Such other functions currently undertaken by the Land

Registration Authority/ Registry of Deeds {LRA/ROD), Land


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Management Bureau (LMB}, Land Management Service
{LMS), National Mapping and Resource Information
Authority (NAMRIA}. However, the function of the DAR in
the issuance of CLOAS and Emancipation Patents shall
henceforth be done by the Authority.
SEC. 7. Jurisdiction — This Authority shall have the exclusive jurisdiction to
regulate, survey, verify and approve original and subdivision surveys as well

manage and dispose all lands in accordance with the existing laws.
Likewise, it shall have the primary and exclusive original jurisdiction over all
actions affecting original titles and subsequent titles emanating from
judicial decrees, patents, deeds and other conveyances under the existing
laws. Decisions of the Authority in the exercise of the quasi-judicial functions
shall be immediately executory even pending appeal.

SEC. 8. Composition - The Authority shall be headed by an Administrator.
The Authority proper shall be composed of the Office of the Administrator,
the Advisory Board, the four (4) Offices of the Deputy Administrators, the
different Departments, Land Adjudication Commission, Land Registration
Officer and other offices of the Authority.

SEC. 9. The Administrator - The Administrator shall be appointed by the
President. He shall have the rank equivalent and shall receive the same
salary, emoluments, benefits and privileges of the Presiding Justice of the
Court of Appeals and shall be appointed by the President.

The Administrator shall have the following powers and functions:

(a)Provide executive direction, supervision and control over
the entire operations of the Authority and all offices
described therein;

(b) Adopt delivery system as Is necessary for the effective
attainment of the objectives of the Authority, including the
creation of regional, provincial and city offices, other
service units and divisions, and the delegation of authority to
regional, provincial and city offices for decentralized
programs, subject to the provisions of existing laws;

{c) Coordinate with LGUs, other agencies, and public and
private Interest groups, including NGOs and POs on Authority

policies and initiatives;


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(d) Restructure the internal structure of the Authority, subject to
the recommendation of the Board and approval of the
President;

(e) Formulate such rules and regulations and exercise such
other powers as may be necessary to implement the
objectives of this Act.

{f} Perform such other functions as provided for by PD 1529,
Commonwealth Act 141 and other related laws affected by
this act or as may be assigned by the President.

SEC. 10. Deputy Administrators — The Administrator shall be assisted by four
{4) Deputy Administrators, who shall be appointed by the President upon
recommendation of the Administrator. Provided, that, Deputy
Administrators shall be career officers coming from the ranks of the existing
government offices and agencies performing land administration and shall
have the rank of an Associate Justice of the Court of Appeals, except for
the Deputy Administrator for Land Administration and Management, who is
a Geodetic Engineer and shall have the rank of Assistant Secretary.

SEC.11. Qualifications - The Administrator must be a citizen and resident of
the Philippines, member of Philippine Bar for at least ten (10) years, with
experience in any land administration functions, of good moral character,
and of proven competence and integrity. Three (3) of the four (4) Deputy
Administrators must be members of the Philippine Bar for at least ten (10)
years, with experience in any tand administrative functions, of good moral
character and of proven competence and integrity. The other Deputy
Administrator must be a licensed Geodetic Engineer for at least ten (10)
years, with experience in any land administrative functions, of good moral
character and of proven competence and integrity.

In order not to disrupt the operation of the Authority, the Incumbent
Administrator of the Land Registration Authority shall be in-charged of the
Authority during the transition period, and shall be assisted by the two (2)
incumbent Deputy Administrators.

SEC. 12. Department - There are hereby created the following
departments in the Authority:

{a}Land Administration and Management Department shall

assume the functions currently undertaken by the Land
Management Bureau {LMB}, the Land Management


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1 Services (LMS), the National Mapping and Resource

2 Information Authority (NAMRIA), LRA-CARP, Housing and
3 land Regulatory Board (HULRB) and the DENR-CARP National
4 Secretariat and such other functions as may be assigned by
5 the Administrator.

6 (b) Department on Registration, with the following functions:

7 1. Verification/examination of all documents forwarded by
8 the Court relative to land registration proceedings.

9 2. Preparation of decrees of registration pursuant to final
10 land registration proceedings such as preparation of
u reports, manifestation and the like.

2 3. Extends assistance to court in ordinary and cadastral
13 land registration proceedings such as preparation of
4 reports, manifestation and the like.

1s 4, Issuance of the needed certifications by the DENR, DAR
16 ‘and HULRB in connection with their functions relative to
7 issuance of patent, CLOAs and condominium certificate
18 of title, respectively.

9 (c) Financial Management Department, with the following
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2 1. Preparation of the annual and special budget of the
22 Authority, and consequently, budget execution and
2B control of funds.

24 2. Give technical advise on fiscal matters.

25 3. Submit performance and fiscal reports.

26 4, Maintain and keep the books of accounts of the
27 Authority.

28 5. Undertake regular management studies of the Authority
29 organizational structure, manpower and operations.

30 6. Preparation of Agency Work and Financial Plans.

u 7. Preparation of Agency reports/budget hearing materials
32 for the approval of Agency Annual Budget by the House
33 of Representatives and the Senate.

34 {d) Administrative & Personnel Management Department, with

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1. implements memoranda and circulars promulgated by
the Administrator with regard to personnel services and
requirements.

2. Execution direction, control and supervision over all
employees and activities pertaining to:

a) Personnel services

b) Systematic filing and custody of records and
documents.

c) Procurement, distribution and custody of office
supplies and equipment.

d) Maintaining of security, hygiene and other
healthful conditions in the office building and
premises.

(e) Legal Affairs Department, with the following functions:

1, Acts as counsel of the authority and the Land
Registration Offices.

2. Reviews, studies and replies to legal queries.

3, Reviews pleadings and represents the Authority in Court.

4, Reviews drafts of resolution to consuitas before final
review by the Deputy Administrator for Operations.

5. Conducts inspection of Land Registration Offices.

6. Reviews investigation reports on complaints submitted to
the Authority against erring Land Registration Officers, the
employees, and also of the Central Office.

7. Assist the Department of Agrarian reform in the land
reform program of the government by determining
which landholdings are deemed legal for the purpose of
transferring the same to rightful tenants/beneficiaries.

SEC. 13. Regional and Field Offices. - Consistent with the requirements of
economy and efficiency, there shall be established a Regional Office.
which shall be headed by a Regional Land Registration Officer. in every
administrative region and assisted by an Assistant Regional Land
Registration Officer, and by the Land Registration Officer for every province
and city within the administrative region as are necessary as shall be
established in accordance with the regional pattern as prescribed by PD

1529 and other existing laws.


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SEC. 14 Functions of the Regional Land Registration Officers and Regional
Offices. The Regional Land Registration Officer shall be the responsible line
Official for all Authority programs in the administrative region. The Regional
Land Registration Officer shall be appointed by the President and shall
report to the Administrator.

Regional Office shall perform the following functions:

14.1. Ensure that Authority program-goals are met and that
programs are implemented in accordance with the duly
adopted policies, standards and guidelines;

14.2 Directly manage and implement Authority policies and

projects in the immediate geographic area;

14.3 Direct and evaluate the performance of field offices in
the region;

14.4 Monitor, investigate and assess compliance approved

original and subdivision pian, endorse and recommend
the filing of appropriate charges for violation thereof;

14.5 Coordinate with the LGUs with regard to their local land

administration and other land management as mandated
by the Local Government Code and other related laws;
14.6 Advise and coordinate the plans and programs of the
Regional and Land Registration Offices of the Authority;
14.7 Appointing power for vacancies within his/her
administrative region with salary grades one (1} to eight (8);
and
14.8 Perform such other functions as may be provided for by
law and the Administrator.
SEC. 15. Qualifications - The Regional Land Registration Officer, and
Assistant Regional Land Registration Officer, must be citizens and residents
of the Philippines, members of Philippine Bar, at least ten (10) years
experience in any land administration functions, of good moral character,
and of proven competence and integrity. The Regional Land Registration
Officer shali have the rank of an Assistant Secretary and shall have the
salary, benefits and emoluments of an Executive Judge of the Regional Trial
Court.
in order not to disrupt the operations of the Authority, the incumbent
Regional Land Registration Officer shall be in-charge of the Authority in his


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region during the transition period and shall be assisted by his Assistant
Regional Land Registration Officer.
SEC. 16. Functions of Registration Officer -

(a) The Land Registration Officer shall head a Field Office and
shall be accountable to the Regional Land Registration
Officer. The Land Registration Officer shall directly administer
Authority programs in his/her jurisdictional area and ensure
their proper implementation.

(b)It shalt have the power to correct a clerical or
typographical errors committed in writing, copying,
transcribing or typing an entry in the maps, survey plans and
certificate of land titles.

{c) Al duties and responsibilities provided for under PD 1529
shall continue to be exercised by the Land Registration
Officer. The autonomous nature of the Field Offices shall be
respected by other agencies and in no circumstance shall
they be required to perform other functions not related with
land registration.

(d) Declare and cancel patently fake or spurious certificate of
title, maps and survey plans in summary proceedings.

SEC. 17. Qualifications of Land Regjistratlon Officer and Deputy Land
Registration Officer - The Land Registration Officer must be a citizen and
residence of the Philippines, member of the Philippine Bar and shall have
been actually engaged in such practice for at least five (5) years or has
been employed for a like period in any branch of government the
functions of which include the registration of property. He shall continue to
enjoy rank and salary provided for under PD 1529 but have the Privileges
and emoluments of a Regional Trial Court Judge.

The Deputy Land Registration Officer shall be a member of the
Philippine Bar for at least three (3) years. He shall enjoy the benefits and
emoluments of a Municipal Trial Court Judge.

In order not to disrupt the operation of the Authority, the incumbent
Land Registration Officer shall be in-charge of the Field Offices of the
Authority in their respective cities and provinces during the transition period
and shall be assisted by the incumbent Deputy Land Registration Officer.


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CHAPTER III
ADVISORY BOARD

SEC.18. THE ADVISORY BOARD: TENURE AND COMPENSATION.

(a)The powers and functions of the National Land
Administration Reform Authority shall be vested in and
exercised by the Board composed of the incumbent
Administrator of the LAA and six (6) other members to come
from NAMRIA, LMS/LMB, CARP, Non-Governmental
Organization, which shall represent the basic sectors, a
Representative from the Indigenous Communities of the
Philippines, who shalt be appointed by the President of the
Philippines, and the President of the Association of Land
Registration Officers and Deputy Land Registration Officers;

(b) The incumbent Authority Administrator shall automatically
be the Chairman of the Board.

(c)The Board members, except the Administrator of the LAA
who shall cease as member upon his/her separation, shail
hold office for six (4) years without reappointment, or until
their successors are duly appointed and qualified. In case
of vacancy, other than the expiration of term, shall be filled
of the unexpired term only. The members of the Board shall
be entitled to a per diem of the Three Thousand Pesos
(P3,000.00) for each board meeting actually attended by
them, but not to exceed fifteen thousand (P15,000.00} a
month, a reasonable transportation and representation
allowances as may be fixed by the Board.

(d) Meetings. The Board shall meet at least once a week. The
Board may be called to meeting by the Administrator of the
Land Administration Authority or by two (2) members of the
Board.

(e) The presence of four (4) shall constitute a quorum: Provided,
That in all cases, the Administrator or his duly designated
alternate shall be among the four (4).

{f} A Secretary of the Board appointed shall maintain and

preserve a complete record of the proceedings and

deliberations of the LAA Board.


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SEC. 19. Functions of the Advisory Board.

(a) Advise the Authority in the formulation of policies, policy
development, guidelines and programs to effectively cary
out the provisions of this Act;

(b) Advise the Authority in the promulgation such rules and
regulations as may be necessary or proper for the effective
exercise of the powers and functions as well as the
discharge of the duties of the National Land Administration
Authority, its officers and employees;

{c) Upon recommendation of the Administrator, approve the
organizational and administrative structures and staffing
pattern of the new Authority and to establish, fix, review,
revise and adjust the appropriate compensation package
for the officials and employees of the Land Administration
Authority with reasonable allowances, incentives, bonuses,
Privileges and other benefits as may be necessary or proper,
subject to availability of funds, for the effective
management, operation and administration of the Authority
including all Land Registration Offices, nationwide which
shall be exempt from Republic Act No.6758, otherwise
known as the Salary Standardization Law;

{d)Upon recommendation of the Administrator, to do and
perform any and all acts necessary, proper or incidental for
the attainment of the objectives of this Act:

(e) To fix the registration fees and other necessary charges not
provided for in Presidential Decree No. 152? and other
existing laws, and other charges, necessary fees approved
by the Board in furtherance to the functions of the LAA
provided in this Act;

Such fees and charges, including government subsidies and other
income generated by the Authority including income/revenue from all
Land registration Authority, shall constitute special funds and shall be
deposited in any authorized government depository bank, and all interest
that shall accrue therefrom shall form part of the same fund for the use of

the Authority.
Any provision of existing laws, rules and regulations to the contrary


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notwithstanding, any income generated by the Authority from registration
fees and other charges, shall be retained by the Authority, and may be
disbursed by the Board for the upgrading of the land administration system
by purchasing computers and other equipment relative thereto for the
complete computerization of all lands administrations records, seminars,
trainings, research and employees welfare and other Programs/projects in
furtherance to the functions of the Authority except for travel abroad and
transportation allowances and expenses;

The setting up and disbursement of funds shall be subject to
accounting and auditing rules and regulations of the Commission on Audit
and will be subject to annual report on the disbursement of fund annually
to both Senate and House of Representatives;

(f) To receive in trust, legacies, gifts and donations, real or
Personal properties as well as financial assistance either
from local and foreign donor for the rationalization of the
Land Administration Authority, to administer and dispose the
same when necessary for the benefit of the Authority,
subject to limitations, directions and instructions of the
donors, if any. Such donations shall be exempted from all
taxes and shall be considered as deductible items from the
income tax of the donors;

{g)To have the power of succession; and

{h) To sue and be sued.

(i) Perform such other functions as may be necessary for the
Proper implementation of this Act.

CHAPTER 1V
ADMINISTRATIVE ADJUDICATION
SEC. 20. Quasi-Judicial Powers of the Authority. - The Authority is
hereby vested with the primary jurisdiction to determine and
adjudicate land administration and public land management
matters and shall have exclusive original jurisdiction over all
matters involving the implementation of laws, rules and
regulations on land administration and public land

management.


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It 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. Toward this end, it shall adopt a unifom rule of
procedure to achieve a just, expeditious and inexpensive
determination for every action or proceeding before it,

{t shall have the power to investigate and resolve questions,
complaints and issues involving maps, survey plans and
certificate of land ties including the power to confiscate
patently fake and spurious certificates of land title and declare
their nullification in summary proceedings.

It shall have the power to correct a clerical or typographical
errors Committed in writing copying transcribing or typing an
entry in the maps, survey plans and certificate of land titles.

It 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 and issue subpoena, and subpoena duces
tecum, and enforce its writs through sheriffs or other duly
deputized officers. It shall likewise have the power to punish
direct and indirect contempts in the same manner and subject
to the same penalties as provided in the Rules of Court.

Responsible persons shail be allowed to represent themselves
or their organizations in any proceedings before the Authority:
Provided, however, that when there are two or more
representatives for any individual or group, the representatives
should choose only one among themselves to represent such
party group before any Authority proceedings.

Notwithstanding an appeal to the Court of Appeals, the
decision of the Authority shall be immediately executory.

SEC 21. Finallty of Determination. - Any case or controversy before it
shall be decided within thirty (3) days after it is submitted for
resolution. Only one (1) motion for reconsideration shall be allowed.


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Any order, ruling or decision shall be final after the lapse of fifteen (15)
days from receipt of a copy thereof.
SEC. 22. Frivolous Appeals. - To discourage frivolous or dilatory
appeais from the decisions or orders, the Authority may impose
reasonable penalties including, but not limited to, fines or censures
upon ering parties.
SEC. 23. Certlorarl. - Any decision, order, award or ruling of the
Authority on any dispute or 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 receipt of a copy thereof.

The findings of fact of the Authority shall be final and

conclusive if based on substantial evidence.
SEC 24. No. restraining Order or Preliminary Injunction. - No court in
the Philippines shall have jurisdiction to issue any restraining order or
writ of preliminary injunction against the Authority 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.
SEC. 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.
SEC. 26. - Preferential Attention in Courts. - All courts in the Philippines
shall give preferential attention to all cases arising from or in
connection with the implementation of the provisions of this Act.

CHAPTER V
TRANSITORY PROVISIONS

SEC. 27. Transfer of Powers and Functions.- Within six (6) months after the
approval of this, the powers and functions of the Authority heretofore
vested by law in the Department of Justice, LRA/ROD, LMB/LMS, NAMRIA or


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1 in any Office within or attached to these agencies, shall be transferred to
2 and vested in the National Land Administration Reform Authority. The
3. foregoing transfer of powers and functions shall include all applicable funds
4 and appropriations, records equipment, property and personnel.
3 SEC. 28. Transfer of Rights, Assets and Uabilities - The Authority shall, by
6 virtue of this Act, be subrogated to all rights and assume alll the liabilities of
7 the Lands Management Bureau (LMB), Lands Management Service (LMS),
8 National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA}, and Land
9 Registration Authority (LRA), whose functions and powers have been
10 transfered to the Authority, and their funds, records, property, assets,
11 equipment and personnel, as may be necessary, including unexpended
12 appropriations and/or allocations. All contracts and liabilities of the said
13 offices are hereby transferred to and assumed by the Authority and shall be
14 acted upon in accordance with the Auditing Code and other pertinent
15 laws, rules and regulations; Provided, that incumbent officials and
16 employees of said agencies/corporations, shall continue to assume their
17 posts in holdover capacity until their new appointments are issued.
18 SEC. 29. Organization of the Authority ~ The Authority's organizational and
19 administrative structure and functions and staffing pattern, including the
20 personnel’s duties and responsibilities and the appropriate compensation
21 package shall be submitted by the Administrator for review and approval
22 by the Congressional Oversight Committee within six (6) months from the
effectivity of this Act. After the oversight committee's review and
24 approval, the proposed organizational structure and staffing pattern shall
25 be submitted to the President for final approval and shall be fully
26 implemented within a period of three (3) months after such approval.

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27 SEC 30. The Oversight committee shall be composed of the following:

28 A) The Chairperson of the SenateCcommittee onffinance and
29 the House Committee Finance and the House Committee on
30 Goverment Reorganization, as Co-Chairperson; and

31 B) Chairperson of the Senate and House Committee on Justice,
32 Environment and Natural Resources. Appropriations, and the
33 Administrator of the Land Registration Authority, as members.

34 The authorized positions created therein shall be filled by regular
35 appointment by the President of the Administrator, as the case may be:
36 Provided, that in the filling of position created, the Administrator shall create


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an ad hoc committee composed of management and staff of the
concerned agencies to ensure that preference shall be given to the
Personnel of the agencies affected by the restructuring provided in this Act:
Provided, further, that such individuals comply with the qualification
standards set by Civil Service Commission (CSC) for the positions they shall
be appointed to: Provided, finally that if such individual possesses the same
qualifications, seniority shall be given priority.

SEC. 31. Transfer of Personnel. - Considering their expertise, technical skills
and experience, all incumbent officials and employees of the Land
Registration Authority and affected agencies shall be retained. To ensure a
smooth transition, all incumbent personnel of the DENRs LMB/LMS, NAMRIA,
LRA-RoD and other existing attached agencies shall continue to perform
their present duties and functions as interim personnel of the Authority until
such time, being not later than twelve {12} months from the effectivity of
this Act, that they have been appointed as regular staff of the Authority
based on the new staffing pattern, or separated from the service:
Provided, That such personne! shall be appointed by the Administrator, or
his/her duly authorized representative, on the basis of merit, fitness, and
seniority: Provided, moreover, That except for the position of Administrator
and Deputy Administrators, there shall be no hiring of new personnel for the
Authority.

SEC. 32. Separation from the Service and Benefits. — Personne! who are not
offered appointment under the new staffing pattem of the Authority on at
least equivalent terms and conditions as their present employment within
twelve months of the effectivity of this Act or who opt to be separated
and/or phased out from the service shall be entitled to a gratuity, at a rate
equivalent to the following:

1. Two and one-half (2 %) months basic salary for every
year of service for the fist twenty (20) years;

2. Two and three-fourths (2 %) months basic salary for
every additional year of service from the twenty-first
(215) to the thirtieth (30') year of service;

3. Three (3) months basic salary for every additional year
of service from the thirty-first (315) year of service and
onwards.

In addition, affected personnel shall receive other benefits as may
be authorized by existing laws and regulations. Furthermore, they


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shalt be entitled to the refund of their contributions including
government share fo the Home Development Mutual Fund (PAG-
IBIG) and the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS} and to
the commutation of their unused vacation and sick leaves in
accordance with existing rules and regulations. Government
personne! who are separated as a result of the integration of the
aforecited offices and who have the required qualifications, shall be
given priority in the hiring of personnel in any agency of the
government including government-owned and/or controlled
corporation and govemment financial institution. Employees who
are qualified to retire shall be allowed to retire and be entitled to all
benefits provided under any of the existing retirement laws.
SEC. 33. Separation Fund. - There is hereby established a “one-time”
separation fund in the amount of Two Billion Pesos (P2.000,000,000.00} to
pay the separation benefits herein provided: Provided, That the fund shail
be used exclusively to pay for the separation benefits: Provided further,
That within two years after the effectivity of this Act, any unutilized amount
of the separation fund shail be reverted to the National Treasury.
SEC. 34, Unexpended Appropriations and Transfer of Assets. - The
unexpended balances of appropriations in the cument General
Appropriations Act and other Acts in force upon approval hereof,
pertaining to, heid, or used by, or available to the LRA and RoD, NAMRIA
and other attached agencies and such other unexpended balances of
appropriations as may be deemed appropriate by the Department of
Budget and Management are hereby transferred to the Authority.

CHAPTER V

FUNDING
SEC, 35. Funding Source - The amount needed for the initial
implementation of this Act shall be charged against the current year's
appropriations of Lands Management Bureau (LMB), Lands Management
Services (LMS) Land Registration Authority (LRA) and National Mapping and
Resource Information Agency (NAMRIA), and other attached agencies.
Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary for the continved
implementation of this Act shall be included in the annual General
Appropriations Act.
SEC. 36, Additional Funding — Subject to the existing rules and regulations,


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the funds and monies collected or which otherwise come into possession of
the Authority from administrative fees, surcharges, fines and penalties which
the Authority may impose and collect under this Act and under the
provisions of Presidential Decree 1529, as well as an amount to be
determined “at the beginning of every calendar year representing all
incomes derived from the operation of the Authority shall be automatically
appropriated and shall be available for all expenses necessary for the
implementation of this Act.

CHAPTER VI
MISCELLANEOUS AND FINAL PROVISIONS

SEC. 37, Use of Income - The authority is hereby authorized to use twenty
percent (20%) of all revenues derived from fees, charges, and other sources
for purposes of financing its projects. However, subject to existing auditing
and budgeting regulations, the Administrator of the Authority may set aside
and disburse fifty per cent (50%) of the twenty per cent (20%) to effect
monetary incentives to its officials and employees either in cash or non-
cash benefits.

SEC. 38. Exemption from the Salary Standardization Law and Attrition Law. -
The Authority is hereby exempted from the provision of RA 6758, otherwise
known as Salary Standardization Law, and RA 7430, otherwise known as
Attrition Law.

SEC 39, Assurance Fund - A special account within the Authority is hereby
created for the entire receipts of the Assurance Funds, which shall no longer
be remitted to the National Treasury as provided for in Sec. 94 of PD No.
1529. The Administrator is authorized to invest the said funds through the
procurement of the Central Bank bonds or securities, and the interest of
which shall accrue to the income of the Authority and shail likewise, be
utilized and divided equally as dividends among officials and employees of
the Authority.

SEC. 40. indemnification and Responsibilities - The Authority shall indemnify
the Administrator and other officials of the Authority, including Land
Registration Officers and Deputy Land Registration Officers and personnel
performing supervision and examination functions 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


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reason of the performance of their functions or duties, unless they are finally
adjudged in such actions or proceedings to be liable for gross negligence
or misconduct,

In the event of setttement or compromise, indemnification shall be
provided only in connection with such matters covered by the settlement as
to which the Authority is advised by 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 Authority in advance of the
final disposition of such action, suit or proceeding upon receipt of an
undertaking by or on behalf of the Administrator, officer or employee to
repay the amount advanced should it ultimately be determined by the
Authority that he/she is not entitled to be indemnified as provided in this
subsection.

SEC.41. Authority to use an Automated Land Registration System - To
carry out the above-stated policy, the Land Administration Authority, herein
referred to as the Authority, is hereby authorized to use an automated fand
registration system, herein referred to as the System, for the processing of
Certificate of Title in an expeditious registration system, and other
documents necessary as required by PD 1529 and other related iaws.

To achieve the purpose of this Act, the Authority is authorized to
purchase, lease or enter into contract and/or hire services needed for the
implementation of computerized registration through out the country using

the automated machine.

SEC. 42. Procurement of Equipment and Materials — The Authority shall
purchase or tease automated machine, computer equipment, devices and
materials needed for land registration and scanning documents from any
local or foreign domestic corporation, free from taxes and import duties,
subject to accounting and auditing rules and regulations.

SEC. 43. Land Administration One Stop Processing Centers - For purposes of
low cost, economic and speedy land administration, the Authority shall
establish Land Administration One-Stop Processing Centers (LAOSPs) in the
regions, which shail centralize the processing and issuance of all required
permits, clearances and other related documents. Requirements for


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registration of land titles and deeds shall be limited only to those provided
for in PD 1529 and Act 496, All other requirements for registration provided
for under existing statutes, circulars, regulations and issuances of other
agencies inconsistent with this provision shall be rendered inoperative. Any
imposition of additional registration requirements shall be the sole and
exclusive prerogative of the Authority. All agencies involved in the issuance
of clearances, permits shall be represented in the One-Stop Processing
Centers and shall assign to LAOSP regional centers personnel who shall be
sufficiently authorized to process and issue the same.

SEC. 44. Disclosure and Divestment of Financial Interest ~ Before assumption
into ottice, the Administrator, the Deputy Administrators, the Department
Directors, Land Registration Officers, shail submit to the CSC a list of all
companies, partnership or business enterprises, including non-profit
organizations, in which they or any immediate member of their families
within the second degree of consanguinity or affinity, have any form of
financial interest or employment relationship, including consultancy:
Provided, However, That all other forms of employment relationship held by
the heads of the Offices of the Authority shall immediately be terminated
upon assumption into office.

SEC. 45. Relationship with Other Government Departments - The Authority
and its priority projects shall enjoy preferential attention from the DENR,
DAR, DA and the LGUs, relative to the issuance of necessary permits,
clearances necessary for the implementation of programs and projects.
SEC. 46, Mandatory Review Two (2) Years after the Enactment of this Act. ~
The Authority shall review the mandates of the restructure agencies and
recommend necessary legislation to insure consistency with the policy of
this Act and avoid duplication of functions or any other dysfunction within
the Agency.

SEC. 47. Separability Clause - Should any provision of this Act or any part
thereof be declared unconstitutional or invalid by a court, the other
provisions hereof which are not affected thereby, shall remain in force and
effect.

SEC. 48, Repealing Clause - The pertinent provisions of CARL and IPRA with
regard to the conduct of survey, approval of survey results, preparation
and issuance of tenure instruments, and the provisions of PD 1529
pertaining to the assurance fund are hereby amended.


2B

All other laws, decrees, orders, instructions, proclamations, rules and
regulations of parts thereof, including pertinent provisions of Executive
Order No. 192 and its 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.
SEC. 49. Effectivity — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following its
complete publication in at least two (2) national newspapers of general
circulation.
Approved.