TodayisTuesday,February07,2017

ACTNo.2874

AsamendedbyActsNos.3164,3219,3346,and3517

TOAMENDANDCOMPILETHELAWSRELATIVETOLANDSOFTHEPUBLICDOMAIN,ANDFOROTHER
PURPOSES

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

TITLEI

TITLEANDAPPLICATIONOFTHEACT,LANDSTOWHICHITREFERS,ANDCLASSIFICATION,
DELIMITATION,ANDSURVEYTHEREOFFORCONCESSION.

CHAPTERI.

SHORTTITLEOFTHEACT,LANDSTOWHICHITAPPLIES,ANDOFFICERSCHARGEDWITHITS
EXECUTION.

Section1.TheshorttitleofthisActshallbe"ThePublicLandAct."

Section2.TheprovisionsofthisActshallapplytothelandsofthepublicdomainbuttimberandminerallandsshall
begovernedbyspeciallawsandnothinginthisActprovidedshallbeunderstoodorconstruedtochargeormodify
thegovernmentanddispositionofthelandscommonlycalled"friarlands"andthosewhich,beingprivatelyowned,
haverevertedtoorbecomethepropertyofthePhilippineGovernment,whichadministrationanddispositionshallbe
governedbythelawsatpresentinforceorwhichhereafterbeenactedbytheLegislature.

Section3. While title to lands of the public domain remains in the Government, the Secretary of Agriculture and
Natural Resources shall be the executive officer charged with carrying out the provisions of this Act, through the
DirectorofLands,whoshallactunderhisimmediatecontrol.

Section 4. Subject to said control, the Director of Lands shall have direct executive control of the survey,
classificationlease,sale,oranyotherformofconcessionordispositionandmanagementofthelandsofthepublic
domain,andhisdecisionsastoquestionsoffactshallbeconclusivewhenapprovedbytheSecretaryofAgriculture
andNaturalResources.

Section5. The Director of Lands, with the approval of the Secretary of Agriculture and Natural Resources, shall
prepare and issue forms, instructions, rules and regulations consistent with this Act, as may be necessary and
propertocarryintoeffecttheprovisionsthereofandfortheconductofproceedingsarisingundersuchprovisions.

CHAPTERII.

CLASSIFICATION,DELIMITATIONANDSURVEYOFLANDSOFTHEPUBLICDOMAIN,FORTHE
CONCESSIONTHEREOF

Section 6. The GovernorGeneral, upon the recommendation of the Secretary of Agriculture and Natural
Resources,shallfromtimetotimeclassifythelandsofthepublicdomaininto

(a)Alienableordisposable

(b)Timberand

(c)Minerallands

andmayitanytimeandinalikemannertransfersuchlandsfromoneclasstoanother,forthepurposesoftheir
governmentanddisposition.

Section7.Forthepurposeofthegovernmentanddispositionofalienableordisposablepubliclands,theGovernor
General, upon recommendation by the Secretary of Agriculture and Natural Resources, shall from time to time
declarewhatlandsareopentodispositionorconcessionunderthis,Act.

Section8.Onlythoselandsshallbedeclaredopentodispositionorconcessionwhichhavebeenofficiallydelimited
andclassifiedand,whenpracticable,surveyed,andwhichhavenotbeenreservedforpublicorquasipublicuses,
notappropriatedbytheGovernment,norinanymannerbecomeprivateproperty,northoseonwhichaprivateright
authorized and recognized by this Act or any other valid law may be claimed, or which, having been reserved or
appropriated, have ceased to be so. However, the GovernorGeneral may, for reasons of public interest, declare
lands of the public domain open to disposition before the same have had their boundaries established or been
surveyed,ormay,forthesamereasons,suspendtheirconcessionordispositionbyproclamationdulypublishedor
byActoftheLegislature.

Section9.Forthepurposesoftheirgovernmentanddisposition,thelandsofthepublicdomainalienableoropento
dispositionshallbeclassified,accordingtotheuseorpurposestowhichsuchlandsaredestined,asfollows:

(a)Agricultural

(b)Commercial,industrial,orforsimilarproductivepurposes.

(c)Educational,charitable,andothersimilarpurposes.

(d)Reservationsfortownsites,andforpublicandquasipublicuses.

The GovernorGeneral, upon recommendation by the Secretary of Agriculture and Natural Resources, shall from
time to time make the classification provided for in this section, and may, at any time and in a similar manner,
transferlandsfromoneclasstoanother.

Section 10. The words "alienation,'' "disposition," or "Concession" as used in this Act, shall mean any of the
methodsauthorizedbythisActfortheacquisition,lease,useorbenefitofthelandsofthepublicdomainotherthan
timberorminerallands.

TITLEII

AGRICULTURALPUBLICLANDS

CHAPTERIII.

FORMSOFCONCESSIONOFAGRICULTURALLANDS

Section11.Publiclandssuitableforagriculturalpurposescanbedisposedofonlyasfollows,andnototherwise:

(1)Forhomesteadsettlement.

(2)Bysale.

(3)Bylease.

(4)Byconfirmationofimperfectorincompletetitles.

(a)Byjudiciallegalization.

(b)Byadministrativelegalization(freepatent)

CHAPTERIV.

HOMESTEADS

Section12.AnycitizenofthePhilippineIslandsoroftheUnitedStates,overtheageofeighteenyears,orthehead
ofafamily,whodoesnotownmorethantwentyfourhectaresoflandinsaidIslandsorhasnothadthebenefitof
anygratuitousallotmentofmorethantwentyfourhectaresoflandsincetheoccupationofthePhilippineIslandsby
theUnitedStates,mayenterahomesteadornotexceedingtwentyfourhectaresofagriculturallandofthepublic
domain.

Section13.Uponthefilingofanapplicationforahomestead,theDirectorofLands,ifhefindsthattheapplication
shouldbeapproved,shalldosoandauthorizetheapplicanttotakepossessionofthelanduponthepaymentoffive
pesos,Philippinecurrency,asentryfee.Withinsixmonthsfromandafterthedateoftheapprovaloftheapplication,
theapplicantshallbegintoworkthehomesteadotherwiseheshalllosehispriorrighttotheland.(Asamendedby
section1ofActNo.3517.)
Section14.Nocertificateshallbegivenorpatentissuedforthelandappliedforuntilatleastonefourthoftheland
hasbeenimprovedandcultivated.Theperiodwithinwhichthelandshallbecultivatedshallnotbelessthanonenor
morethanfiveyears,fromandafterthedateoftheapprovaloftheapplication.Theapplicantshall,withinthesaid
period,notifytheDirectorofLandsassoonasheisreadytoacquirethetitle.Ifatthedateofsuchnoticeoratany
timewithinthetwoyearsnextfollowingtheexpirationofsaidperiod,theapplicantshallprovetothesatisfactionof
theDirectoroflandsbyaffidavitsoftwocrediblewitnesses,thathehasresidedinthemunicipalityinwhichtheland
islocated,orinamunicipalityadjacenttothesame,andhascultivatedatleastonefourthofthelandcontinuously
since the approval of the application, and shall make affidavit that no part of said land has been alienated or
encumbered,andthathehascompliedwithalltherequirementsofthisAct,then,uponthepaymentoffivepesos,
heshallbeentitledtoapatent.(Asamendedbysection2ofActNo.3517).

Section15. At the option of the applicant, payment of the fees required in this chapter may be made in annual
installments. These payments may be made to the municipal treasurer of the locality, who, in turn, shall forward
themtotheprovincialtreasurer.Incaseofthedelinquencyoftheapplicant,theDirectorofLandsmay,sixtydays
aftersuchdelinquencyhasoccurred,eithercanceltheapplicationorgrantanextensionoftimenottoexceedone
hundredandtwentydaysforthepaymentofthesumdue.

Section16.Ifatanytimebeforetheexpirationoftheperiodallowedbylawforthemakingoffinalproof,itshallbe
provedtothesatisfactionoftheDirectorofLands,afterduenoticetothehomesteader,thatthelandenteredisnot
under the law subject to homestead entry, or that the homesteader has actually changed his residence, or
voluntarilyabandonedthelandformorethansixmonthsatanytimeduringtheyearsofresidenceandoccupation
hereinrequiredorhasotherwisefailedtocomplywiththerequirementsofthisAct,theDirectorofLandsmaycancel
theentry.

Section17.Beforethefinalproofshallbesubmittedbyanypersonclaimingtohavecompliedwiththeprovisionsof
thischapter,duenotice,asprescribedbytheSecretaryofAgricultureandNaturalResourcesshallbegiventothe
publicofhisintentiontomakesuchproof,statingthereinthenameandaddressofthehomesteader,thedescription
of the land, with its boundaries and area, the names of the witnesses by whom it is expected that the necessary
factswillbeestablished,andthetimeandplaceatwhich,andthenameoftheofficerbeforewhom,suchproofwill
bemade.

Section 18. In case the homesteader shall suffer from mental alienation, or shall for any other reason be
incapacitatedforexercisinghisrightspersonally,thepersonlegallyrepresentinghimmayofferandsubmitthefinal
proofonbehalfofsuchincapacitatedperson.

Section19. Not more than one homestead shall be allowed to any person but if a homesteader has made final
proofasprovidedinthischapterandisoccupyingandcultivatingatleastonefourthofthelandappliedforandthe
areathereofislessthantwentyfourhectares,hemayapplysuccessivelyforadditionalhomesteadswhichmustlie
inthesamemunicipalityormunicipaldistrictorinanadjacentmunicipalityormunicipaldistrict,untilthetotalareaof
saidhomesteadsshallreachtwentyfourhectares,butnotmore,withtheunderstandingthatheshallwithregardto
thenewtractsoradditionalhomesteadscomplywiththesameconditionsasprescribedbythisActforanoriginal
homesteadentry.(AsamendedbySec.1ofActNo,3219andSec.3ofActNo.3517).

Section20. The cancellation of a homestead entry not due to any fault of the applicant shall not be a bar to his
applyingforanotherhomestead.

Section21.Ifatanytimeaftertheapprovaloftheapplicationandbeforethepatentisissued,theapplicantshall
provetothesatisfactionoftheDirectoroflandsthathehascompliedwithalltherequirementsofthelaw,butcan
notcontinuewithhishomestead,throughnofaultofhisown,andthereisabonafidepurchaserfortherightsand
improvementsoftheapplicantontheland,andthattheconveyanceisnotmadeforpurposesofspeculation,then
the applicant, with the previous approval of the Secretary of Agriculture and Natural Resources, may transfer his
rightstothelandandimprovementstoanypersonlegallyqualifiedtoapplyfora.homestead,andimmediatelyafter
suchtransfer,thepurchasershallfileahomesteadapplicationtothelandsoacquiredandshallsucceedtheoriginal
homesteader in his rights and obligations beginning with the date of the approval of said application of the
purchaser.Anypersonwhohassotransferredhisrightsmayonceagainapplyforanewhomestead.Everytransfer
madewithoutthepreviousapprovaloftheSecretaryofAgricultureandNaturalResourcesshallbenullandvoidand
shallresultinthecancellationoftheentryandtherefusalofthepatent.

Section22.AnynonChristiannativewhohasnotappliedforahomestead,desiringtoliveuponoroccupylandon
anyofthereservationssetasideforthesocallednonChristiantribesmayrequestapermitofoccupationforany
tractoflandofthepublicdomainreservedforsaidnonChristiantribesunderthisAct,theareaofwhichshallnot
exceed four hectares. It shall be an essential condition that the applicant for the permit cultivate and improve the
land,andifsuchcultivationhasnotbeenbegunwithinsixmonthsfromandafterthedateonwhichthepermitwas
received,thepermitshallbecanceled.Thepermitshallbeforatermofoneyear.Ifattheexpirationofthistermor
at any time therefor, the holder of the permit shall apply for a homestead under the provisions of this chapter,
includingtheportionforwhichapermitwasgrantedtohim,heshallhavethepriority,otherwisethelandshallbe
againopentodispositionattheexpirationofthepermit.
Foreachthesumofonepesoshallbepaid.

(AsamendedbySec.2ofAct3219andSec.4ofAct3517).

CHAPTERV.

SALE

Section23.AnycitizenoflawfulageofthePhilippineIslandsoroftheUnitedStates,andanysuchcitizennotof
lawfulagewhoisheadofafamily,andanycorporationorassociationofwhichatleastsixtyonepercentumofthe
capital stock or of any interest in said capital stock belongs wholly to citizens of the Philippine Islands or of the
UnitedStatesorofanyStatethereofandauthorizedtotransactbusinessinthePhilippineIslands,andcorporate
bodiesorganizedinthePhilippineIslandsauthorizedundertheircharterstodoso,maypurchaseanytractofpublic
agricultural land disposable under this Act, not to exceed one hundred and fortyfour hectares in the case of an
individual and one thousand and twentyfour hectares in that of a corporation or association, by proceeding as
prescribed in this chapter: PROVIDED, That partnerships shall be entitled to purchase not to exceed the one
thousandandtwentyfourhectaresauthorizedinthissectionforassociationsandcorporations:PROVIDED,further,
ThatcitizensofcountriesthelawsofwhichgranttocitizensofthePhilippineIslandsthesamerighttoacquirepublic
landastotheirowncitizens,may,whilesuchlawsareinforce,butnotthereafter,withtheexpressauthorizationof
the Legislature, purchase any parcel of agricultural land, not in excess of one hundred and fortyfour hectares
availableunderthisAct,uponcomplyingwiththerequirementsofthischapter.(Asamendedbysec,3ofActNo.
3219).

Section24.Noperson,corporation,association,orpartnershipotherthanthosementionedinthelastproceeding
sectionmayacquireorownagriculturalpubliclandorlandofanyotherdenominationorclassification,notusedfor
industrialorresidencepurposes,thatisatthetimeorwasoriginally,reallyorpresumptively,ofthepublicdomain.or
anypermanentimprovementthereon,oranyrealrightonsuchlandandimprovement:PROVIDED,however,That
persons, corporations, associations, or partnerships which, at the date upon which this Act shall take effect, hold
agricultural public lands or land of any other denomination not used for industrial or residence purposes, that
belongedoriginally,reallyorpresumptively,tothepublicdomain,orpermanentimprovementsonsuchlands,ora
realrightuponsuchlandsandimprovements,havingacquiredthesameunderthelawsandregulationsinforceat
the date of such acquisition, shall be authorized to continue holding the same as if such persons, corporations,
associations,orpartnershipswerequalifiedunderthelastprecedingsectionbuttheyshallnotencumber,convey,
oralienatethesametopersons,associations,corporations,orpartnershipsnotincludedinsectiontwentythreeof
thisAct,exceptbyreasonorhereditarysuccession,dulylegalizedandacknowledgedbycompetentcourts.

Section 25. Lands sold under the provisions of this chapter must be appraised in accordance with section one
hundred and fourteen of this Act. The Director of Lands shall announce the sale thereof by publishing the proper
notice once a week for six consecutive weeks in the Official Gazette and in two newspapers, one published in
Manilaandtheotherpublishedinthemunicipalityorintheprovincewherethelandislocated,orinaneighboring
province,andthesamenoticeshallbepostedonthebulletinboardoftheBureauofLandsinManila,andinthe
most conspicuous place in the provincial building and the municipal building of the province and the municipality
where the land is located, and if practicable, on the land itself but if the value of the land does not exceed two
hundredandfortypesos,thepublicationintheOfficialGazetteandnewspapersmaybeomitted.Thenoticesshall
bepublishedoneinEnglishandtheotherinSpanishorinthelocaldialect,andshallfixadatenotearlierthansixty
days after the date of the notice upon which the land will be awarded to the highest bidder, or public bids will be
calledfor,orotheractionwillbetakenasprovidedinthischapter.(Asamendedbysection4ofActNo.3219).

Section26. All bids must be sealed and addressed to the Director of Lands, and must have therewith cash or a
certifiedcheckorpostofficemoneyorderpayabletotheorderoftheDirectorOfLands,fortenpercentumofthe
amount of the bid, which amount shall be retained in case the bid is accepted, as part payment of the purchase
price:PROVIDED,Thatnobidshallbeconsideredtheamountofwhichislessthantheappraisedvalueoftheland.
(Asamendedbysection5ofActNo.3219).

Section27.Upontheopeningofthebidsthelandshallbeawardedtothehighestbidder.Iftherearetwoormore
bids which are higher than other bids and are equal, and one of such higher and equal bids is the bid of the
applicant,hisbidshallbeaccepted.If,however,thebidoftheapplicantisnotoneofsuchequalandhigherbids,the
DirectorofLandsshallatoncesubmitthelandforpublicbidding,andtothepersonmakingthehighestbidonsuch
publicauctionthelandshallbeawarded.Inanycasetheapplicant,ifanyshallalwayshavetheoptionofraisinghis
bidtoequalthatofthehighestbidder,andinthiscasethelandshallbeawardedtohim.Nobidreceivedatsuch
publicauctionshallbefinallyaccepteduntilthebiddershallhavedepositedtenpercentumofhisbid,asrequiredin
sectiontwentysixofthisAct.Incasenoneofthetractsoflandthatareofferedforsaleorthepurchaseofwhichhas
beenappliedfor,hasanareainexcessoftwentyfourhectares,theDirectorofLandsmaydelegatetotheProvincial
treasurer concerned the power of receiving bids, holding the auction, and proceeding in accordance with the
provisions of this Act, but the provincial treasurer, in his capacity as delegate of the Secretary of Agriculture and.
NaturalResourcesshallsubmithisrecommendationstotheDirectorofLandsforthefinaldecisionofthelatterin
thecase.(Asamendedbysection6ofActNo.3219).
Section28. The purchase price shall be paid as follows: The balance of the purchase price after deducting the
amountpaidatthetimeofsubmittingthebid,maybepaidinfulluponthemakingoftheaward,orinnotmorethan
tenannualinstallmentsfromthedateoftheaward:PROVIDED,Thatitshallbeaninherentandessentialcondition
ofthesalethatthepurchasershallhavenotlessthanonethirdofthelandbrokenandcultivatedwithinfiveyears
afterthedateoftheaward.(Asamendedbysection7ofActNo.3219).

Section29.Afteratleastthesecondinstallmenthasbeenpaidandafterthecultivationofthelandhasbeenbegun,
thepurchaser,withtheapprovaloftheSecretaryofAgricultureandNaturalResources,mayconveyorencumber
his rights to any person, corporation, or association legally qualified under this Act to purchase agricultural public
lands, provided such conveyance or encumbrance does not affect any right or interest of the Government in the
land. Any sale and encumbrance made without the previous approval of the Secretary of Agriculture and Natural
Resourcesshallbenullandvoidandshallproducetheeffectofannullingtheacquisitionandrevertingtheproperty
and all rights thereto to the Government, and all payments on the purchase price theretofore made to the
Government shall be forfeited After the sale has been approved, the vendor shall not lose his right to acquire
agriculturalpubliclandsundertheprovisionsofthisAct,providedhehasthenecessaryqualifications.

Section30.Beforeanypatentisissued,thepurchasermustshowactualoccupancy,cultivation,andimprovement
ofatleastonefourthofthelandappliedforuntilthedateonwhichfinalpaymentismade.(Asamendedbysection5
ofActNo.3517).

Section 31. If at any time after the date of the award and before the issuance of patent, it is proved to the
satisfactionoftheDirectorofLands,afterduenoticetothepurchaser,thatthepurchaserhasvoluntarilyabandoned
thelandformorethanoneyearatanyonetime,orhasotherwisefailedtocomplywiththerequirementsofthelaw,
thenthelandshallreverttotheGovernmentandallpriorpaymentsofpurchasemoneyshallbeforfeited.

Section32.Noperson,corporation,association,orpartnershipshallbepermitted,aftertheapprovalofthisAct,to
acquirethetitletoorpossesasowneranylandsofthepublicdomainifsuchlands,addedtootherlandbelongingto
suchperson,corporation,association,orpartnershipshallgiveatotalareagreaterthantheareatheacquisitionof
whichbypurchaseisauthorizedunderthisAct.Anyexcessinareaoverthismaximumandallright,title,interest,
claim, or action held by any person, corporation, association, or partnership resulting directly or indirectly in such
excessshallreverttotheGovernment.

This section shall, however, not be construed to prohibit any person, corporation, association, or partnership
authorizedbythisActtoacquirelandsofthepublicdomainfrommakingloansuponrealestatesecurityandfrom
purchasingrealestatewhenevernecessaryfortherecoveryofsuchloansbutinthiscase,assoonastheexcess
above referred to occurs, such person, corporation, association, or partnership shall dispose of such lands within
fiveyears, for the purposeofremovingtheexcessmentioned.Uponthelandin excess of the limit there shall be
paid,solongasthesameisnotdisposedof,forthefirstyearasurtaxoffiftypercentumadditionaltotheordinary
tax to which property shall be subject, and for each succeeding year fifty per centum shall be added to the last
precedingannualtaxrate,untilthepropertyshallhavebeendisposedof.

The person, corporation, association, or partnership owning the land in excess of the limit established by this Act
shalldeterminetheportionofthelandtobesegregated.

AttherequestoftheSecretaryofAgricultureandNaturalResources,theAttorneyGeneral,ortheofficeractingin
his stead shall institute the necessary proceedings in the proper court for the purpose of determining the excess
portiontobesegregated,aswellasthedisposalofsuchportionintheexclusiveinterestoftheGovernment.

Section33.Thischaptershallbeheldtoauthorizeonlyonepurchaseofthemaximumamountoflandhereunderby
the same person, corporation, association, or partnership and no corporation, association, or partnership, any
memberofwhichshallhavereceivedthebenefitsofthischapterorofanyofthetwoprecedingchapters,eitheras
anindividualorasamemberofanyothercorporation,association,orpartnership,shallpurchaseanyotherlandsof
thepublicdomainunderthischapter.

Butanypurchaserofpublicland,afterhavingmadethelastpaymentuponandcultivatedatleastonefourthofthe
land purchased, if the same shall be less than the maximum allowed by this Act may purchase successively
additionalagriculturalpubliclandadjacenttoornotdistantfromthelandfirstpurchased,untilthetotalareaofsuch
purchases shall reach the maximum established in this chapter: PROVIDED, That in making such additional
purchaseorpurchases,thesameconditionsshallbecompliedwithasprescribedbythisActforthefirstpurchase.
(Asamendedbysec.6ofActNo.3517).

CHAPTERVI.

LEASE

Section 34. All citizen of lawful age of the Philippine Islands or of the United States and any corporation or
associationofwhichatleastsixtyonepercentumofthecapitalstockorofanyinterestinsaidcapitalstockbelongs
whollytocitizensofthePhilippineIslandsoroftheUnitedStates,andwhichisorganizedandconstitutedunderthe
lawsofthePhilippineIslandsoroftheUnitedStatesorofanystatethereofandauthorizedtotransactbusinessin
thePhilippineIslands,mayleaseanytractofagriculturalpubliclandavailableforleaseundertheprovisionsofthis
Act,notexceedingatotalofonethousandandtwentyfourhectares:PROVIDED,Thatnomember,stockholderor
any corporation or association holding or controlling under lease or otherwise agricultural land in excess of one
hundred and fortyfour hectares shall apply, directly or indirectly, for agricultural public land except under the
homesteadandfreepatentprovisionsofthisAct:PROVIDED,further,Thatcitizensofcountriesthelawsofwhich
grant to citizens of thePhilippineIslandsthesamerightstoleasepubliclandasto their own citizens, may, while
such laws are in force, but no thereafter, with the express authorization of the Legislature, lease any parcel of
agriculturalland,notinexcessofonethousandandtwentyfourhectares,availableforleaseinaccordancewiththis
Act:PROVIDED,finally,Thatnoleaseshallbepermittedtointerferewithanypriorclaimbysettlementoccupation,
until the consent of the occupant or settler is first had, or until such claim shall be legally extinguished, and no
person,corporation,orassociation,shallbepermittedtoleaselandshereunderwhicharenotreasonablynecessary
tocarryonhisbusinessincaseofanindividual,orthebusinessforwhichitwaslawfullycreatedandwhichitmay
lawfullypursueinthePhilippineIslands,ifanassociationorcorporation.

Corporationsorassociationsnothavingallandeachoftherequirementsestablishedintheprecedingparagraphof
thissectionmay,withtheexpressauthorizationoftheLegislature,leaseagriculturalpubliclandsavailableforlease
thetotalareaofwhichshallnotexceedonethousandandtwentyfourhectares.(Asamendedbysection7ofAct
No.3517).

Section35.TheDirectorOfLandsshallannouncetheleaseoflandsunderthischapterbypublishingtheproper
notice once a week for six consecutive weeks in the Official Gazette and in two newspapers, one published in
Manilaandtheotherpublishedinthemunicipalityorintheprovincewherethelandislocated,orinaneighboring
province,andthesamenoticeshallbepostedonthebulletinboardoftheBureauofLandsinManila,andinthe
most conspicuous place in the provincial building and the municipal building of the province and the municipality
where the land is located, and if practicable, on the land itself and if the value of the land does not exceed two
hundredandfortypesos,thepublicationintheOfficialGazetteandnewspapersmaybeomitted.Thenoticesshall
bepublishedoneinEnglishandtheotherinSpanishorinthelocaldialect,andshallfixadatenotearlierthansixty
daysafterthedateofthenotice,uponwhichthelandwillbeawardedtothehighestbidder,orpublicbidswillbe
calledfor,orotheractionwillbetakenasprovidedinthischapter.

All bids must be sealed and addressed to the Director of Lands and must have enclosed therewith cash or a
certifiedcheckorpostofficemoneyorderpayabletotheorderoftheDirectorofLands,forasumequivalenttothe
rental for the first three months of the lease: PROVIDED, That no bid shall be considered in which the proposed
annualrentalislessthanthreepercentumofthevalueofthelandaccordingtotheappraisalorreappraisalthereof
madeinconformitywithsectiononehundredandfourteenofActNumberedTwentyeighthundredandseventyfour.

Upontheopeningofthebidsthelandshallbeawardedtothehighestbidder.Iftherearetwoormorebidswhichare
higherthantheothersandequal,andoneofsuchhigherandequalbidsisthebidoftheapplicant,hisbidshallbe
accepted.If,however,thebidoftheapplicantisnotoneofsuchequalandhigherbids,theDirectorofLandsshallat
oncesubmitthelandforpublicbidding,andtothepersonmakingthehighestbidonsuchpublicauctiontheland
shallbeawarded.Inanycasetheapplicant,ifany,shallalwayshavetheoptionofraisinghisbidtoequalthatofthe
highestbidder,andinthiscasethelandshallbeawardedtohim.Nobidreceivedatsuchpublicauctionshallbe
accepteduntilthebiddershallhavedepositedtherentalforthefirstthreemonthsofthelease.(Asamendedbysec,
8ofActNo.3219).

Section36.Theannualrentalofthelandleasedshallnotbelessthanthreepercentumofthevalueoftheland,
accordingtotheappraisalandreappraisalmadeinaccordancewithsectiononehundredandfourteenofthisAct.
Everycontractofleaseundertheprovisionsofthischaptershallcontainaclausetotheeffectthatareappraisalof
thelandleasedshallbemadeeverytenyearsfromthedateoftheapprovalofthecontract,ifthetermofthesame
shall be in excess of ten years. In case the lessee is not agreeable to the reappraisal and prefers to give up his
contractoflease,heshallnotifytheDirectorofLandsofhisdesirewithinthesixmonthsnextprecedingthedateon
which the reappraisal takes effect, and in case his request is approved, the Director of Lands may, if the lessee
shouldsodesire,proceedinaccordancewithsectionninetyeightofthisAct.

Therent,whichshallbepaidyearlyinadvance,shallaccruefromthedateoftheapprovalofthelease,andthefirst
paymentthereofshallbemadeintheBureauofLandsonthedateoftheapprovaloftheapplication.(Asamended
bysection8ofActNo.3517).

Section37.Leasesshallrunforaperiodofnotmorethantwentyfiveyears,butmayberenewedforanotherperiod
of not to exceed twentyfive years, at the option of the lessee. In case the lessee shall have made important
improvementswhich,inthediscretionoftheSecretaryofAgricultureandNaturalResources,justifyarenewalofthe
lease, a further renewal for an additional period not to exceed twentyfive years may be granted. Upon final
expiration of the lease, all buildings and other permanent improvements made by lessee, his heirs, executors,
administrators,successors,orassignsshallbecomethepropertyoftheGovernment,andthelandtogetherwiththe
saidimprovementsshallbedisposedofinaccordancewiththeprovisionsofchapterfiveofthisAct.Itshallbean
inherentandessentialconditionoftheleasethatthelesseeshallhavenotlessthanonethirdofthelandbroken
andcultivatedwithinfiveyearsafterthedateoftheapprovaloftheleaseandshallnotassign,encumber,orsublet
hisrightswithouttheconsentoftheSecretaryofAgricultureandNaturalResources,andthattheviolationofthis
condition shall avoid the contract: PROVIDED, That assignment, encumbrance, or subletting for purposes of
speculationshallnotbepermittedinanycase:PROVIDED,further,Thatnothingcontainedinthissectionshallbe
understood or construed to permit the assignment, encumbrance, or subletting of lands leased under this Act, or
under the Public Land Act, to persons, corporations, or associations under this Act, are not authorized to lease
public lands, unless otherwise provided by general or special legislations by the Legislature. (As amended by
section9ofActNo.3517).

Section 38. The lease of any lands under this chapter shall not confer the right to remove or dispose of any
valuabletimberexceptasprovidedintheregulationsoftheBureauofForestryforcuttingtimberuponsuchlands.
Norshallsuchleaseconfertherighttoremoveordisposeofstone,oil,coal,salts,orotherminerals,ormedicinal
mineralwatersexistinguponthesame.Theleaseastothepartofthelandwhichshallbemineralmaybecancelled
bytheSecretaryofAgricultureandNaturalResources,afternoticetothelessee,wheneverthesaidpartoftheland
ismorevaluableformineralthanforagriculturalpurposes.

The commission of waste or the violation of the forestry regulations by the lessee shall work a forfeiture of his
paymentofrentandrenderhimliabletoimmediatedispossessionandsuitfordamage.

Section39.Thelesseeofagriculturalpublicland,afterhavingmadetoormorepaymentsofrentandimprovedland
leased,ifthesameislessthanthemaximumallowedbylaw,mayleasesuccessivelyadditionalagriculturalpublic
land adjacent to or near the land originally leased, until the total area of such leases shall reach the maximum
established in this chapter: PROVIDED, That in making such additional lease, the same conditions shall be
compliedwithasprescribedbythisActforthefirstlease.(Asamendedbysection10ofAct.No.3517).

Section40.Duringthelifeofthelease,anylesseewhoshallhavecompliedwithalltheconditionsthereofandshall
havethequalificationsrequiredbysectiontwentythree,shallhavetheoptionofpurchasingthelandleasedsubject
totherestrictionsofchapterfiveofthisact.(Asamendedbysection11ofActNo.3517).

CHAPTERVII.

FREEPATENTS

Section41.AnynativeofthePhilippineIslandswhoisnottheownerofmorethantwentyfourhectares,andwho
sinceJulyfourth,nineteenhundredandseven,orpriorthereto,hascontinuouslyoccupiedandcultivated,eitherby
himself or through his predecessors in interest, a tract or tracts of agricultural public lands subject to disposition,
shallbeentitled,undertheprovisionsofthischapter,tohaveafreepatentissuedtohimforatractortractsofsuch
landnottoexceedtwentyfourhectares.(Asamendedbysection1ofActNo.3164.)

Section42. The GovernorGeneral, upon recommendation of the Secretary of Agriculture and Natural Resources
shallfromtimetotimefixbyproclamationtheperiodwithinwhichapplicationsforfreepatentsmaybefiledinthe
district, province, municipality, or region specified in such proclamation, and upon the expiration of the period so
designated, unless the same be extended by the GovernorGeneral, all the land comprised within such district,
province, municipality, or region subject thereto under the provisions of this chapter may be disposed of as
agriculturalpublicland,withoutprejudicetothepriorrightoftheoccupantandcultivatortoacquiresuchlandunder
thisActbymeansotherthanfreepatent.ThetimetobefixedintheentireArchipelagoforthefilingofapplications
underthischaptershallnotextendbeyondDecemberthirtyfirst,nineteenhundredandthirtyeight.Theperiodfixed
foranydistrict,province,ormunicipalityshallbegintorunthirtydaysafterthepublicationoftheproclamationinthe
Official Gazette. A certified copy of said proclamation shall be furnished to the Director of Lands and to the
provincialandmunicipalboardorcouncilaffected,andcopiesthereofshallbepostedonthebulletinboardofthe
BureauofLandsatManilaandatconspicuousplacesintheprovincialbuildingandthemunicipalbuilding.Itshall
moreover, be announced by crier in each of the barrios of the municipality. (As amended by section 1 of Act No.
3346).

Section43.If,afterthefilingoftheapplicationandtheinvestigation,theDirectorofLandsshallbesatisfiedofthe
truthoftheallegationscontainedintheapplicationandthattheapplicantcomeswithintheprovisionsofthischapter,
he shall cause a patent to issue to the applicant or his legal successor for the tract so occupied and cultivated,
provideditsareadoesnotexceedtwentyfourhectares:PROVIDED,Thatnoapplicationshallbefinallyactedupon
until notice thereof has been published in the municipality and barrio in which the land is located and adverse
claimantshavehadinopportunitytopresenttheirclaim.

CHAPTERVIII.

JUDICIALCONFIRMATIONOFIMPERFECTORINCOMPLETETITLES
Section 44. The persons specified in the next following section are hereby granted time, not to extend beyond
December thirtyfirst, nineteen hundred and thirtyeight, within which to take advantage of the benefits of this
chapter: PROVIDED, That the several periods of time designated by the GovernorGeneral in accordance with
sectionfortytwoofthisActshallapplyalsotothelandscomprisedintheprovisionsofthischapterbutthissection
shallnotbeconstruedinthesenseofprohibitinganyofsaidpersonsfromactingunderthischapteratanytimeprior
totheperiodfixedbytheGovernorGeneral.(Asamendedbysection2ofAct3346).

Section45.ThefollowingdescribedcitizensofthePhilippineIslandsandtheUnitedStates,occupyinglandsofthe
publicdomainorclaimingtoownanysuchlandsoraninteresttherein,butwhosetitleshavenotbeenperfectedor
completed,mayapplytotheCourtofFirstInstanceoftheprovincewherethelandislocatedforconfirmationoftheir
claimsandtheissuanceofacertificateoftitletherefor,undertheLandRegistrationAct,towit:

(a) Those who prior to the transfer of sovereignty from Spain to the United States have applied for the
purchase,compositionorotherformofgrantoflandsofthepublicdomainunderthelawsandroyaldecrees
theninforceandhaveinstitutedhadprosecutedtheproceedingsinconnectiontherewith,buthave,withor
withoutdefaultupontheirpart,orforanyothercause,notreceivedtitletherefor,ifsuchapplicantsorgrantees
andtheirheirshavecompliedandcultivatedsaidlandscontinuouslysincethefilingoftheirapplications.

(b) Those who by themselves or through their predecessors in interest have been in the open, continuous,
exclusive,andnotoriouspossessionandoccupationofagriculturallandsofthepublicdomain,underabona
fide claim of acquisition of ownership except as against the Government, since July twentysixth, eighteen
hundred and ninetyfour except when prevented by war or force majeure. These shall be conclusively
presumed to have performed all the conditions essential to a Government grant and shall be entitled to a
certificateoftitleundertheprovisionsofthischapter.

Section46.Nopersonclaimingtitletolandsofthepublicdomainnotinpossessionofthequalificationsspecifiedin
thelastprecedingsectionmayapplyforthebenefitsofthischapter.

Section 47. Any person or persons, or their legal representatives as successors in right, claiming any lands or
interestinlandsundertheprovisionsofthischapter,musteverycasepresentanapplicationtotheproperCourtof
FirstInstance,prayingthatthevalidityoftheallegedtitleorclaimbeinquiredintoandthatacertificateoftitleissue
tothemundertheprovisionsoftheLandRegistrationAct.

Theapplicationshallconformisnearlyasmaybeinitsmaterialallegationstotherequirementsofanapplicationfor
registration under the Land Registration Act, and shall be accompanied by a plan of the land and all documents
evidencingarightonthepartoftheapplicanttothelandclaimed.Theapplicationshallalsostatethecitizenshipof
the applicant and shall set forth fully the nature of the claim, and when based upon proceedings initiated under
Spanishlaws,itshallspecifyasexactlyaspossiblethedateandformoftheapplicationforpurchase,composition
or other form of grant, the extent of the compliance with the conditions required by the Spanish laws and royal
decreesfortheacquisitionoflegaltitle,andifnotfullycompliedwiththereasonforsuchnoncompliance,together
withastatementofthelengthoftimesuchlandoranyportionthereofhasbeenactuallyoccupiedbytheclaimantor
hispredecessorsininteresttheusemadeoftheland,andthenatureoftheinclosure,ifany.

The fees provided to be paid for the registration of lands under the Land Registration Act shall be collected from
applicantsunderthischapter.

Section48.ApplicationsforregistrationunderthischaptershallbeheardintheCourtofFirstInstanceinthesame
manner and shall be subject to the same procedure as established in the Land Registration Act for other
applications except that a notice of all such applications, together with a plan of the lands claimed, shall be
immediatelyforwardedtotheDirectorofLands,whomayappearasapartyinsuchcases:PROVIDED,Thatpriorto
thepublicationforhearing,allofthepapersinsaidcaseshallbetransmittedbytheclerkoftheAttorneyGeneralor
officer acting in his stead, in order that he may, if he deems it advisable for the interests of the Government,
investigate all of the alleged in the application or otherwise brought to his attention. The AttorneyGeneral shall
returnsuchpaperstotheclerkassoonaspracticablewithinthreemonths.

Thefinaldecreeofthecourtshallineverycasebethebasisfortheoriginalcertificateoftitleinfavoroftheperson
entitledtothepropertyundertheprocedureprescribedinsectionfortyoneoftheLandRegistrationAct.

Section49.Incadastralproceedings,insteadofanapplicationananswerorclaimmaybefiledwiththesameeffect
asintheprocedureprovidedinthelastprecedingtwosections.

Section50.ItshallbelawfulfortheDirectorofLands,wheneverintheopinionoftheGovernorGeneralthepublic
interestsshallrequireit,tocausetobefiledintheproperCourtofFirstInstance,throughtheAttorneyGeneralor
theofficeractinginhisstead,apetitionagainsttheholder,claimant,possessor,oroccupantofanylandwhoshall
nothavevoluntarycomeinundertheprovisionsofthischapteroroftheLandRegistrationAct,statinginsubstance
thatthetitleofsuchholder,claimant,possessor,oroccupantisopentodiscussionorthattheboundariesofany
suchlandwhichhasnotbeenbroughtintocourtasaforesaidareopentoquestionorthatitisadvisablethatthe
titletosuchlandsbesettledandadjudicated,andprayingthatthetitletoanysuchlandortheboundariesthereofor
the right to occupancy thereof be settled and adjudicated. The judicial proceedings under this section shall be in
accordancewiththelawsonadjudicationoftitleincadastralproceedings.

Section51. If in the hearing of any application arising under this chapter the court shall find that more than one
personorclaimanthasaninterestinthelandsuchconflictinginterestsshallbeadjudicatedbythecourtanddecree
awardedinfavorofthepersonorpersonsentitledtothelandaccordingtothelaws,butifnoneofsaidpersonsis
entitledtotheland,orifthepersonwhomightbeentitledtothesamelacksthequalificationsrequiredbythisActfor
acquiringagriculturallandofthepublicdomain,thedecisionshallbeinfavoroftheGovernment.

Section52.Whenever,inanyproceedingsunderthischaptertosecureregistrationofanincompleteorimperfect
claim of title initiated prior to the transfer of sovereignty from Spain to the United States, it shall appear that had
suchclaimsbeenprosecutedtocompletionunderlawsprevailingwheninstituted,andundertheconditionsofthe
grantthencontemplated,theconveyanceofsuchlandtotheapplicantwouldnothavebeengratuitous,butwould
haveinvolvedpaymenttherefortotheGovernment,thenandinthateventthecourtshall,afterdecreeinginwhom
title should vest, further determine the amount to be paid as a condition for the registration of the land. Such
judgmentshallbecertifiedtotheDirectorofLandsbytheclerkofthecourtforcollectionoftheamountduefromthe
personentitledtoconveyance.

UponpaymenttotheDirectorofLandsofthepricespecifiedinthejudgment,heshallsocertifytotheproperCourt
of First Instance and said court shall forthwith order the registration of the Land in favor of the competent person
entitledthereto.Ifsaidpersonshallfailtopaytheamountofmoneyrequiredbythedecreewithinareasonabletime
fixedinthesame,thecourtshallordertheproceedingtostanddismissedandthetitletothelandshallthenbein
theGovernmentfreefromclaimoftheapplicant.

Section53.Wheneveranyjudgmentofconfirmationorotherdecreeofthecourtunderthischaptershallbecome
final, the clerk of the court concerned shall certify that fact to the Director of Lands, with a certified copy of the
decree of confirmation or judgment of the court and the plan and technical description of the land involved in the
decreeofjudgmentofthecourt.

Section54.Notitleto,orrightorequityin,anylandsofthepublicdomainmayhereafterbeacquiredbyprescription
or by adverse possession or occupancy, or under or by virtue of any law in effect prior to American occupation,
exceptasexpresslyprovidedbylawsenactedaftersaidoccupationofthePhilippineIslandsbytheUnitedStates.

TITLEIII

LANDSFORCOMMERCIALORINDUSTRIALPURPOSESANDOTHERSIMILARPRODUCTIVEPURPOSES

CHAPTERIX.

CLASSIFICATIONANDCONCESSIONOFPUBLICLANDSSUITABLEFORCOMMERCEANDINDUSTRY

Section55.Anytractoflandofthepublicdomainwhich,beingneithertimbernormineralland,shallbeclassifiedas
suitable for residential purposes or for commercial, industrial, or other productive purposes or for commercial,
industrial, or other productive purposes other than agricultural purposes, and shall be open to disposition or
concession,shallbedisposedofundertheprovisionsofthischapter,andnototherwise.

Section56.Thelandsdisposableunderthistitleshallbeclassifiedasfollows:

(a)LandsreclaimedbytheGovernmentbydredging,filing,orothermeans

(b)Foreshore

(c)Marshylandsorlandscoveredwithwaterborderingupontheshoresorbanksofnavigablelakesorrivers

(d)Landsnotincludedinanyoftheforegoingclasses.

Section57.Anytractoflandcomprisedunderthistitlemaybeleased,orsold,asthecasemaybe,toanyperson,
corporation,orassociationauthorizedtopurchaseorleasepubliclandsforagriculturalpurposes.Theareaofthe
landsoleasedorsoldshallbesuchasshall,inthejudgmentoftheSecretaryofAgricultureandNaturalResources,
bereasonablynecessaryforthepurposesforwhichsuchsaleorleaseisrequested,andshallinnocaseexceed
fortyeighthectares:PROVIDED,however,Thatthislimitationshallnotapplytogrants,donations,ortransfersmade
to a province, municipality or branch or subdivision of the Government for the purposes deemed by said entities
conducive to the public interest but the land so granted, donated, or transferred to a province, municipality, or
branchorsubdivisionoftheGovernmentshallnotbealienated,encumbered,orotherwisedisposedofinamanner
affecting its title, except, when authorized by the Legislature: PROVIDED, further, That any person, corporation,
associationorpartnershipdisqualifiedfrompurchasingpubliclandforagriculturalpurposesundertheprovisionsof
thisAct,maypurchaseorleaselandincludedunderthistitlesuitableforindustrialorresidencepurposes,butthe
title or lease granted shall only be valid while such land is used for the purposes referred to. (As amended by
section10ofActNo.3219).

Section58.Thelandscomprisedinclasses(a),(b),and(c)ofsectionfiftysixshallbedisposedoftoprivateparties
by lease only and not otherwise, as soon as the GovernorGeneral, upon recommendation by the Secretary of
Agriculture and Natural Resources, shall declare that the same are not necessary for the public service and are
opentodispositionunderthischapter.Thelandsincludedinclass(d)maybedisposedofbysaleorleaseunderthe
provisionsofthisAct.

Section59.ThelandsreclaimedbytheGovernmentbydredging,filling,orotherwiseshallbesurveyedandmay
withtheapprovaloftheSecretaryofAgricultureandNaturalResources,bedividedbytheDirectorofLandsintolots
and blocks, with the necessary streets and alleyways between them, and said Director shall give notice to the
public, by publication in the Official Gazette or by other means, that the lots or blocks not needed for public
purposesshallbeleasedforcommercialorindustrialorothersimilarpurposes.(Asamendedbysection11ofAct
3219).

Section 60. Whenever it is decided that lands covered by this chapter are not needed for public purposes, the
DirectorofLandsshallasktheSecretaryofAgricultureandNaturalResourcesforauthoritytodisposeofthesame.
Uponreceiptofsuchauthority,theDirectorofLandsshallgivenoticebypublicadvertisementinthesamemanner
asinthecaseofleasesorsalesofagriculturalpublicland,thattheGovernmentwillleaseorsell,asthecasemay
be, the lots or blocks specified in the advertisement, for the purpose stated in the notice and subject to the
conditionsspecifiedinthischapter,(Asamendedbysection12ofAct3219andsection12ofAct3517).

Section61.TheleasesexecutedunderthischapterbytheSecretaryofAgricultureandNaturalResourcesshall,
amongotherconditions,containthefollowing:

(a)Therentalshallnotbelessthanthreepercentumoftheappraisedandreappraisedvalueofthelandsand
onepercentumoftheappraisedorreappraisedvalueoftheimprovement

(b)Thelandrented,ortheimprovementsthereon,asthecasemaybe,shallbereappraisedeverytenyearsif
thetermoftheleaseisinexcessofthatperiod.

(c)ThetermoftheleaseshallbeasprescribedbysectionthirtysevenofthisAct.

(d) The lessee shall construct permanent improvements appropriate for the purpose for which the lease is
granted,shallcommencetheconstructionthereofwithinsixmonthsfromthedateoftheawardofthecontract
oflease,andshallcompletethesaidconstructionwithineighteenmonthsfromthedateoftheexecutionof
thecontract.

(e)Attheexpirationoftheleaseorofanyextensionofthesame,allimprovementsmadebythelessee,his
heirs,executors,administrators,successors,orassignsshallbecomethepropertyoftheGovernment.

(f)TheregulationofallratesandfeeschargedtothepublicandtheannualsubmissiontotheGovernment
forapprovalofalltariffsofsuchratesandfees.

(g)Thecontinuanceoftheeasementsofthecoastplaceandothereasementsreservedbyexistinglaworby
anylawshereafterenactedbytheLegislature.

(h)Subjectiontoalleasementsandotherrightsacquiredbytheownersoflandsborderingupontheforeshore
ormarshyland.

Theviolationofoneoranyoftheconditionsspecifiedinthecontractshallgiverisetotherescissionofsaidcontract.
TheSecretaryofAgricultureandNaturalResourcesmay,however,subjecttosuchconditionsashemayprescribe,
waivetherescissionarisingfromaviolationoftheconditionsofsubsection(d),orextendthetimewithoutwhichthe
constructionoftheimprovementsshallbecommencedandcompleted.(Asamendedbysection13ofAct3517).

Section 62. The sale of the lands comprised in class (d) of section fiftysix shall, among others, comprise the
followingconditions:

(a)Thepurchasershallmakeimprovementsofapermanentcharacterappropriateforthepurposeforwhich
thelandispurchased,shallcommenceworkthereonwithinsixmonthsfromthereceiptoftheapprovalofthe
purchase,andshallcompletetheconstructionofsaidimprovementswithineighteenmonthsfromthedateof
such approval or award otherwise the Secretary of Agriculture and Natural Resources may rescind the
contract.

(b)Thepurchasepriceshallbepaidcashdownorinannualinstallments,nottoexceedten.
ThecontractofsalemaycontainotherconditionsnotinconsistentwiththeprovisionsofthisAct.(Asamendedby
section13ofAct3219andsection14ofAct3517).

Section63.Thekindofimprovementstobemadebythelesseeorthepurchaser,andtheplansthereof,shallbe
approved by the Secretary of Commerce and Communications, in case they are constructions or improvements
which, if made by the Government, would properly have to be executed under the supervision of the Bureau of
PublicWorks.

Section64. The lease or sale shall be made through oral bidding and adjudication shall be made to the highest
bidder. However, where an applicant has made improvements on the land by virtue of a permit issued to him by
competentauthority,thesaleorleaseshallbemadebysealedbiddingasprescribedinsectiontwentysevenofthis
Act,theprovisionsofwhichshallbeappliedwhereverapplicable.Ifallorpartofthelotsremainunleasedorunsold,
theDirectorofLandsshallfromtimetotimeannounceintheofficialGazetteorotherwisetheleaseorsaleofthose
lots,ifnecessary.(Asamendedbysection15of.ActNo.3517).

Section65.TheSecretaryofAgricultureandNaturalResourcesmaygranttemporarypermission,uponpaymentof
areasonablecharge,fortheuseofanyportionofthelandscoveredbythischapterforanylawfulprivatepurpose,
subjecttorevocationatanytimewhen,inhisjudgment,thepublicinterestshallrequireit.(Asamendedbysection
16ofActNo.3517).

TITLEIV

LANDSFOREDUCATIONAL,CHARITABLE,ANDOTHERSIMILARPURPOSES

CHAPTERX.

CONCESSIONOFLANDSFOREDUCATIONAL,CHARITABLE,ANDOTHERSIMILARPURPOSES

Section66.Wheneveranyprovincemunicipality,orotherbranchorsubdivisionoftheGovernmentshallneedany
portionofthelandofthepublicdomainopentoconcessionforeducational,charitable,orothersimilarpurposes,the
GovernorGeneral, upon recommendation by the Secretary of Agriculture and Natural Resources, may execute
contractsinfavorofthesame,intheformofdonation,sale,lease,exchange,oranyotherform,undertermsand
conditionstobeinsertedinthecontractbutlandsograntedshallinnocasebeencumberedoralienated,except
when the public service requires their being leased or exchanged, with the approval of the GovernorGeneral, for
otherlandsbelongingtoprivateparties,oriftheLegislaturedisposesotherwise.

Section 67. Any tract of public land of the class covered by this title may be sold or leased for the purpose of
founding a cemetery, church, college, school, university, or other institution for educational, charitable, or
philanthropicalpurposesorscientificresearch,theareatobesuchasmayactuallyandreasonablybenecessaryto
carryoutsuchpurpose,butnottoexceedninetysixhectaresinanycase.Thesaleorleaseshallbemadesubject
tothesameconditionsasrequiredforthesaleandleaseofagriculturalpublicland,buttheSecretaryofAgriculture
and Natural Resources may waive the condition requiring cultivation. The Secretary of Agriculture and Natural
Resources, if he sees fit, may order the sale to be made without public auction, at a price to be fixed by said
Secretary,ortheleasetobegrantedwithouttheauction,atarentaltobefixedbyhim.Ineithercaseitshallbea
conditionthatthepurchaserorlesseeortheirsuccessorsorassignsshallnotsell,transfer,encumberorleasethe
landforthepurposesofspeculationoruseitforanypurposeotherthanthatcontemplatedintheapplication,and
thattheviolationofthisconditionshallgiverisetotheimmediaterescissionofthesaleorlease,asthecasemay
be, and to the forfeiture to the Government of all existing improvements: PROVIDED, That it shall in no case be
sublet, encumbered or resold under the conditions above set forth except with the approval of the Secretary of
AgricultureandNaturalResources.(Asamendedbysection14ofActNo.3219).

TITLEV

RESERVATIONS

CHAPTERXI.

TOWNSITERESERVATIONS

Section 68. Whenever it shall be considered to be in the public interest to found a new town, the Secretary of
Agriculture.andNaturalResourcesshalldirecttheDirectorofLandstohaveasurveymadebyhisBureauofthe
exteriorboundariesofthesiteonwhichsuchtownistobeestablished,anduponthecompletionofthesurveyhe
shallsendthesametosaidSecretary,withhisrecommendations.(Asamendedbysection15ofActNo.3219).

Section 69. The Secretary of Agriculture and Natural Resources, if he approves the recommendations of the
DirectorofLands,shallsubmitthemattertotheGovernorGeneraltotheendthatthelatterissueaproclamation
reservingthelandsurveyed,orsuchpartthereofashemaydeemproper,asatownsite,andacertifiedcopyof
such proclamation shall be sent to the Director of Lands and another to the register of deeds of the province in
whichthesurveyedlandlies.

Section 70. It shall then be the duty of the Director of Lands, after having recorded the proclamation of the
GovernorGeneralandthesurveyaccompanying,thesame,andhavingcompletedthelegalproceedingsprescribed
in chapter thirteen of this Act, to direct a subdivision in accordance with the instructions of the Secretary of
Agriculture and Natural Resources, if there shall be such instructions, and if there shall not be any, then in the
mannerwhichmaytotheDirectorofLandsseembestadaptedtotheconvenienceandinterestofthepublicandthe
residentsofthefuturetown.

Section 71. The plat of the subdivision shall designate certain lots for commercial and industrial uses and the
remainderasresidencelots,andshallalsoreserveandnotethelotsownedbyprivateindividualsasevidencedby
recordtitles,oraspossessedorclaimedbythemasprivateproperty.Suchlots,whetherpublicorprivate,shallbe
numbereduponageneralplanorsystem.

TheplatpreparedbytheDirectorofLandsshallbesubmittedtotheSecretaryofAgricultureandNaturalResources
forconsideration,modification,amendment,orapproval.

Section72.UnlessthenecessaryreservationsaremadeintheproclamationoftheGovernorGeneral,theDirector
ofLands,withtheapprovaloftheSecretaryofAgricultureandNaturalResources,shallreserveoutofthelandby
himtobesubdividedlotsofsufficientsizeandconvenientsituationforpublicuse,aswellasthenecessaryavenue,
streets,alleyways,parks,andsquares.Theavenues,streets,alleysparksplazas,andlotsshallbelaidoutonthe
plat as though the lands owned or claimed by private persons were part of the public domain and part of the
reservation,withaviewtothepossiblesubsequentpurchaseorcondemnationthereof,ifdeemednecessarybythe
properauthorities.

Section73.Atanytime,afterthesubdivisionhasbeenmade,theGovernorGeneralmay,incasethepublicinterest
requiresit,reserveforpublicpurposesanylotorlotsofthelandsoreservedandnotdisposedof.

Section74. If, in order to carry out the provisions of this chapter, it shall be necessary to condemn private lands
withinthelimitsofthenewtown,theGovernorGeneralshalldirecttheAttorneyGeneralorofficeractinginhisstead
toatoncebeginproceedingsforcondemnation,inaccordancewiththeprovisionsofexistinglaw.

Section 75. When the plat of subdivision has been finally approved by the Secretary of Agriculture and Natural
Resources,theDirectorofLandsshallrecordthesameintherecordsofhisofficeandshallforwardacertifiedcopy
ofsuchrecordtotheregisterofdeedsoftheprovinceinwhichthelandlies,tobebysuchregisterrecordedinthe
recordsofhisoffice.

Section76.Alllots,exceptthoseclaimedbyorbelongingtoprivatepartiesandthosereservedforparks,buildings,
andotherpublicuses,shallbesold,afterduenotice,atpublicauctiontothehighestbidder,aftertheapprovaland
recordingoftheplatofsubdivisionasaboveprovided,butnobidshallbeacceptedthatdoesnotequalatleasetwo
thirdsoftheappraisedvalue,norshallbidsbeacceptedfrompersons,corporations,associations,orpartnerships
notauthorizedtopurchasepubliclandsforcommercial,residentialorindustrialpurposesundertheprovisionsofthis
Act. The provisions of section twentyseven and sixty two of this Act shall be observed in so far as they are
applicable.Lotsforwhichsatisfactorybidshavenotbeenreceivedshallbeagainofferedforsale,underthesame
conditionsasthefirsttime,andiftheythenremainunsold,theDirectorofLandsshallbeauthorizedtosellthemat
privatesalefornotlessthantwothirdsoftheirappraisedvalue.(Asamendedbysection17ofActNo.3517).

Section77.AllfundsderivedfromthesaleoflotsshallbecoveredintotheInsularTreasuryaspartofthegeneral
funds.

Section78.Notmorethantworesidencelotsandtwolotsforcommercialandindustrialusesinanyonetownsite
shall be sold to any one person, corporation, or association without the specific approval of the Secretary of
AgricultureandNaturalResources.

Section79.ThisLegislatureshallhavethepoweratanytimetomodify,alter,rescind,repeal,annul,andcancel,
withor without conditions,limitations,exceptions,orreservations,allandanydispositions made by the executive
branchofthePhilippineGovernmentbyvirtueofthischapter,andtheexerciseofthispowershallbeunderstoodas
reservedinallcases,asaninherentconditionthereof.

CHAPTERXII

RESERVATIONSFORPUBLICANDSEMIPUBLICPURPOSES

Section 80. Upon receipt of the order of the President of the United States, the GovernorGeneral shall, by
proclamation,designatesuchlandasthePresidentoftheUnitedStatesmaysetasideformilitary,naval,orother
reservationsfortheuseoftheGovernmentoftheUnitedStates.
Section 81. Upon the recommendation of the Secretary of Agriculture and Natural Resources, the Governor
Generalmaydesignatebyproclamationanytractortractsoflandofthepublicdomainasreservationsfortheuseof
theGovernmentofthePhilippineIslandsorofanyofitsbranches,oroftheinhabitantsthereof,inaccordancewith
regulations prescribed for this purpose, or for quasipublic uses or purposes when the public interest requires it,
includingreservationsforhighways,rightsofwayforrailroads,hydraulicpowersites,irrigationsystem,communal
pastures or leguas communales, public parks, public quarries, public fishponds, and other improvements for the
publicbenefit.(Asamendedbysection16ofActNo.3219).

Section 82. Upon the recommendation of the Secretary of Agriculture and Natural Resources, the Governor
Generalmay,byproclamation,designateanytractortractsofthepublicdomainfortheexclusiveuseofthenon
Christiannatives,includinginthereservation,insofaraspracticable,thelandsusedorpossessedbythem,and
grantingtoeachmembernotalreadytheowner,bytitleorgratuitouspatent,offourormorehectaresofland,the
useandbenefitonlyofatractoflandnottoexceedfourhectaresforeachmalememberovereighteenyearsofage
ortheheadofafamily.AssoonastheSecretaryoftheInteriorshallcertifythatthemajorityofthenonChristian
inhabitantsofanygivenreservationhaveadvancedsufficientlyincivilization,thentheGovernorGeneralmayorder
thatthelandsofthepublicdomainwithinsuchreservationbegrantedunderthegeneralprovisionsofthisActtothe
said inhabitants, and the subdivision and distribution of said lands as above provided shall be taken into
consideration in the final disposition of the same. But any nonChristian inhabitant may at any time apply for the
general benefits of this Act, provided the Secretary of Agriculture and Natural Resources is satisfied that such
inhabitantisqualifiedtotakeadvantageoftheprovisionsofthesame:PROVIDED,Thatallgrants,deeds,patents
and other instruments of conveyance of land or purporting to convey or transfer rights of property, privileges, or
easementsappertainingtoorgrowingoutoflands,grantedbysultans,datus,orotherchiefsofthesocallednon
Christians tribes, without the authority of the Spanish Government while the Philippine Islands were under the
sovereigntyofSpain,orwithouttheconsentoftheUnitedStatesGovernmentorofthePhilippineGovernmentsince
the sovereignty of the Archipelago was transferred from Spain to the United States, and all deeds and other
documentsexecutedorissuedorbaseduponthedeeds,patents,anddocumentsmentioned,areherebydeclared
toillegal,void,andofnoeffect.(Asamendedbysection18ofActNo.3517).

Section83.UponrecommendationbytheSecretaryofAgricultureandNaturalResources,theGovernorGeneral
may, by proclamation, designate any tract or tracts of land of the public domain for establishment of agricultural
coloniesandalthoughthedispositionofthelandstothecolonistsshallbemadeundertheprovisionsofthisAct,yet
whiletheGovernmentshallhavethesupervisionandmanagementofsaidcolonies,theSecretaryofAgricultureand
NaturalResourcesmaymakethenecessaryrulesandregulationsfortheorganizationandinternaladministrationof
thesame.

TheSecretaryofAgricultureandNaturalResourcesmayalso,underconditionstobeestablishedbytheLegislature,
turn over a colony so reserved to any person or corporation, in order that such person or corporation may clear,
break,andprepareforcultivationthelandsofsaidcolonyandestablishthenecessaryirrigationsystemandsuitable
roads and fences but final disposition shall be made of the land in accordance with the provisions of this Act,
subject,however,tosuchconditionsastheLegislaturemayestablishforthereimbursementoftheexpenseincurred
in putting such lands in condition for cultivation: PROVIDED, That the Legislature may direct that such land so
preparedforcultivationmaybedisposedofonlybysaleorlease.

CHAPTERXIII.

PROVISIONSCOMMONTORESERVATIONS

Section84.AcertifiedcopyofeveryproclamationoftheGovernorGeneralissuedundertheprovisionsofthistitle
shall forward to the Director of Lands for record in his office, and a copy of this record shall be forwarded to the
register of deeds of the province or city where the land lies. Upon receipt of such certified copy, the Director of
Landsshallordertheimmediatesurveyoftheproposedreservationifthelandhasnotyetbeensurveyed,andas
soonastheplathasbeencompleted,heshallproceedinaccordancewiththenextfollowingsection.

Section85.IfallthelandsincludedintheproclamationoftheGovernorGeneralarenotregisteredundertheLand
RegistrationAct,theAttorneyGeneral,ifrequestedtodosobytheSecretaryofAgricultureandNaturalResources,
shallproceedinaccordancewiththeprovisionsofsectionfiftyofthisAct.

Section86.Thetractortractsoflandreservedundertheprovisionsofsectioneightyandeightyoneshallbenon
alienableandshallnotbesubjecttooccupation,entry,sale,lease,orotherdispositionuntilagaindeclaredalienable
undertheprovisionsofthisActorbyproclamationoftheGovernorGeneral.(Asamendedbysection19ofActNo.
3715).

TITLEVI

GENERALPROVISIONS

CHAPTERXIV.
 APPLICATIONS,PROCEDURE,CONCESSIONOFLANDS,ANDLEGALRESTRICTIONSAND
ENCUMBRANCES

Section87.AllproclamationsfiledundertheprovisionsofthisActshallbeaddressedtotheDirectorofLands.

Section88.EveryapplicationundertheprovisionsofthisActshallbemadeunderoathandshallsetforth:

(a)Thenameandpostofficeaddressoftheapplicant,stating,inthecaseofanindividual,hiscitizenship,and
inthecaseofacorporation,association,orpartnership,accompanyingacopyofitsarticlesofincorporation
orpartnership,and,iforganizedoutsideofthePhilippineIslandsalsothedocumentaryevidencenecessaryto
show that such corporation, association, or partnership has been organized in accordance with the
requirementsofthelawsofthecountryorstatewhereitwasconstituted,andthatitisauthorizedtotransact
business in these Islands, and if not incorporated, data showing that its members possess individually the
qualificationsrequiredbythisAct.

(b)ThattheapplicanthasallthequalificationsrequiredbythisActinthecase.

(c)Thathehasnoneofthedisqualificationsmentionedherein.

(d)Thattheapplicationismadeingoodfaith,fortheactualpurposeofusingthelandfortheobjectspecified
in the application and for no other purpose, and that the land is suitable for the purpose for which it is
requested.

(e)Thattheapplicationismadefortheexclusivebenefitoftheapplicantandnot,eitherdirectlyorindirectly
forthebenefitofanyotherperson,orpersons,corporation,association,orpartnership.

(f)Asaccurateadescriptionofthelandasmaybegiven,statingitsnature,theprovince,municipality,barrio,
andsitiowhereitislocated,anditslimitsandboundaries,specifyingthosehavingreferencetoaccidentsof
thegroundorpermanentmonuments,ifany.

(g)Whetherallorpartofthelandisoccupiedorcultivatedorimproved,andbywhom,givinghispostoffice
address,andwhetherthelandhasbeenoccupiedorcultivatedorimprovedbytheapplicantorhisascendant,
thenameoftheascendant,therelationshipwithhim,thedateandplaceofthedeathoftheascendant,the
date when the possession and cultivation began, and a description of the improvements made,
accompanyingsatisfactoryevidenceandtherelationshipoftheapplicantwiththeascendant,andofthedeath
ofthelatterandthedescendantsleftbyhim,incaseitisallegedthatheoccupiedandcultivatedthelandfirst
orwhetherthereareindicationsofitshavingbeenoccupied,cultivated,orimprovedentirelyorpartially,andif
so, in what such indications consist, whether he has made investigations as to when and by whom such
improvementsweremade,andifso,howsuchinvestigationsweremadeandwhatwastheresultthereofor
whether the land is not occupied, improved, or cultivated either entirely, or partially and there are no
indicationsofithavingeverbeenoccupiedimprovedorcultivated,andinthiscase,whatistheconditionof
theland.

(h)Thatthelandappliedforisneithertimbernorminerallandanddoesnotcontainguanoordepositsofsalts
orcoal.

Section89. The statements made in the application shall be considered as essential conditions and parts of any
concession,title,orpermitissuedonthebasisofsuchapplication,andanyfalsestatementthereinoromissionof
factsaltering,changing,ormodifyingtheconsiderationofthefactssetforthinsuchstatements,andanysubsequent
modification, alteration, or change of the material facts set forth in the application shall ipso facto produce the
cancellationoftheconcession,title,orpermitgranted.ItshallbethedutyoftheDirectorofLands,fromtimetotime
and whether he may deem it advisable, to make the necessary investigations for the purpose of ascertaining
whetherthematerialfactssetoutintheapplicationaretrue,orwhethertheycontinuetoexistandaremaintained
andpreservedingoodfaith,andforthepurposesofsuchinvestigation,theDirectorofLandsshallbeempoweredto
issuesubpoenasandsubpoenasducestecumand,ifnecessary,toobtaincompulsoryprocessfromthecourts.In
every investigation made in accordance with this section, the existence of bad faith, fraud, concealment, or
fraudulentandillegalmodificationofessentialfactsshallbepresumedifthegranteeorpossessorofthelandshall
refuse or fail to obey a subpoena or subpoena duces tecum lawfully issued by the Director of Lands or his
authorizeddelegatesoragents,orshallrefuseorfailtogivedirectandspecificanswerstopertinentquestions,and
onthebasisofsuchpresumption,anorderofcancellationmayissuewithoutfurtherproceedings.

Section90.Althoughthemaximumareaofpubliclandthatmaybeacquiredisfixed,yetthespiritofthisActisthat
the rule which must determine the real area to be granted is the beneficial use of the land. The concession or
disposition shall be for less than the maximum area authorized if at time of the issuance of the patent or of the
concessionordispositionitshallappearthattheapplicantisutilizingandisonlyabletoutilizeasmallerarea,even
thoughtheapplicationisforagreaterarea.Forthepurposeofthissection,theDirectorofLandsisauthorizedto
determine the area that may be granted to the applicant, and to deny or cancel or limit any application for
concession,purchase,orlease,ifconvincedofthelackofmeansoftheapplicantforusingthelandforthepurpose
forwhichhehasrequestedit.

Section 91. Lands applied for under this Act shall conform to the legal subdivisions and shall be contiguous if
comprisingmorethanonesubdivision.Ifsubdivisionshavenotbeenmadeonthedateoftheapplication,thelands
shall be rectangular in form so far as practicable, but it shall be endeavored to make them conform to the legal
subdivisionassoonasthesamehasbeenmade,providedtheinterestsoftheapplicantorgranteeareprotected
andthesubdivisionassignedtotheapplicantorgranteeshall,sofaraspracticable,includethelandimprovedor
cultivated.Theregulationstobeissuedfortheexecutionoftheprovisionsofthissectionshalltakeintoaccountthe
legalsubdivisiontobemadebytheGovernmentandtheinadvisabilityofgrantingthebestlandatagivenplaceto
onlyoneperson.

Section92. In case the legal subdivisions have already been made at the time of the filing of the application, no
chargeshallbemadeforthesurveybutifthelegalsubdivisionshavenotyetbeenmade,thecostofthesurvey
shallbechargedtotheGovernment,exceptinthefollowingcases:

(a) In purchases under chapters five and ten of this Act the cost of the survey shall be charged to the
purchaserifthesameisacorporation,association,orpartnershipinotherpurchasesthepurchaser,whoever
itbe,shallpaythetotalcostofthesurvey.

(b)Inleases,thecostofthesurveyshallbepaidbythelesseebutatanytimeafterthefirstfiveyearsfrom
theapprovalofthelease,andduringthelifeofthesame,thelesseeshallbeentitledtothereimbursementof
onehalfofthecostofthesurvey,ifheshowstothesatisfactionoftheDirectorofLandsthathehasoccupied
and improved a sufficient area of the land or incurred sufficient expense in connection therewith to warrant
suchreimbursement.

Section93. If before the delimitation and survey of a tract of public land the GovernorGeneral shall declare the
same disposable or alienable and such land shall be actually occupied by a person other than the applicant, the
DirectorofLandsshallinformtheoccupantofhispriorrighttoapplyforthelandandshallgivehimonehundredand
twenty days' time in which to file the application or apply for the concession by any of the forms of disposition
authorizedbythisAct,ifsuchoccupantisqualifiedtoacquireaconcessionunderthisAct.

Section94.Assoonasanylandofthepublicdomainhasbeensurveyed,delimited,andclassified,theGovernor
Generalmay,intheorderissuedbyhimdeclaringitopenfordisposition,designateatermwithinwhichoccupants
with improvements but not entitled to free patents may apply for the land occupied by them, if they have the
qualificationsrequiredbythisAct.

Section95.Ifinthecaseofthetwolastprecedingsections,theoccupantoroccupantshavenotmadeapplication
underanyoftheprovisionsofthisActattheexpirationofthetimelimitfixed,theyshallloseanypriorrighttothe
landrecognizedbythisAct,andtheimprovementsontheland,ifany,shallbeforfeitedtotheGovernment.

Section96.(MissingportioninDENRfile)

Section97. The Secretary of Agriculture and Natural Resources may order such improvements and crops to be
appraisedseparately,forsaletothenewapplicantorgrantee,ormaydeclaresuchlandopenonlytosaleorlease.

Section98.Incasethecancellationisduetodelinquencyonthepartoftheapplicantorgrantee,thesameshallbe
entitledtothereimbursementoftheproceedsofthesaleoftheimprovementsandcrops,afterdeductingthetotal
amountofhisindebtednesstotheGovernmentandtheexpenseincurredbyitinthesaleoftheimprovementsor
cropsandinthenewconcessionoftheland.

Section99.AllactionsforthereversiontotheGovernmentoflandsofthepublicdomainorimprovementsthereon
shallbeinstitutedbytheAttorneyGeneralortheofficeractinginhisstead,inthepropercourts,inthenameofthe
GovernmentofthePhilippineIslands.

Section 100. Any person, corporation, or association may file an objection under oath to any application or
concession under this Act, grounded on any reason sufficient under this Act for the denial or cancellation of the
applicationorthedenialofthepatentorgrant.If,aftertheapplicantorgranteehasbeengivensuitableopportunity
tobedulyheard,theobjectionisfoundtobewellfounded,theDirectorofLandsshalldenyorcanceltheapplication
ordenythepatentorgrant,andthepersonobjectingshall,ifqualified,begrantedapriorrightofentryforatermof
sixtydaysfromthedateofthenotice.

Section101. All the proofs, affidavits, and oaths of any kind required or necessary under this Act may be made
beforethejusticeofthepeaceorthemunicipalityinwhichthelandlies,orbeforethejudgeorclerkoftheCourtof
First Instance of the province in which the land lies, or before any justice of the peace or notary public of the
province in which the land lies, or before any officer or employee of the Bureau of Lands authorized by law to
administeroaths.
Thefeesforthetakingoffinalevidencebeforeanyoftheofficialshereinbeforementionedshallbeasfollows:

Foreachaffidavit,fiftycentavos.

Foreachdepositionoftheapplicantorthewitnesses,fiftycentavos.

Section102.Anyownerofuncultivatedagriculturallandwhoknowinglypermitsapplicationforthesametobemade
totheGovernmentandthelandtobetilledandimprovedbyabonafidegranteewithoutprotestingtotheBureauof
Lands within one year after cultivation has begun, shall lose all right to the part of the land so cultivated, and
improved, unless he shall bring action in the proper court before such action for recovery prescribes and obtains
favorablejudgmenttherein,inwhichcasethecourtshall,uponitsdecisionhavingbecomefinal,orderthepayment
tothegrantee,withinareasonableperiod,oftheindemnityfixedbysaidcourtforthecultivationandimprovement.

Section103.Ifatanytimetheapplicantorgranteeshalldie,beforetheissuanceofthepatentorthefinalgrantof
theland,orduringthelifeofthelease,orwhiletheapplicantorgranteestillhasobligationspendingtowardsthe
Government,inaccordancewiththisAct,heshallbesucceededinhisrightsandobligationswithrespecttotheland
appliedfororgrantedorleasedunderthisActbyhisheirsinlaw,whoshallbeentitledtohaveissuedtothemthe
patent or final concession if they show that they have complied with the requirements therefor, and who shall be
surrogatedinallhisrightsandobligationsforthepurposesofthisAct.(Asamendedbysection20ofActNo.3517).

Section104. If at any time after the approval of the application and before the issuance of a patent or the final
concession of the land, or during the life of the lease, or at any time when the applicant or grantee still has
obligations pending with the Government, in accordance with this Act, it appears that the land applied for is
necessary,inthepublicinterest,fortheprotectionofanysourceofwaterorforanyworkforthepublicbenefitthat
theGovernmentwishestoundertaketheSecretaryofAgricultureandNaturalResourcesmayorderthecancellation
oftheapplicationorthenonissuanceofthepatentorconcessionortheexclusionfromthelandappliedforofsuch
portionasmayberequired,uponpaymentofthevalueoftheimprovements,ifany.

Section105.AllpatentsorcertificatesforlandsgrantedunderthisActshallbepreparedintheBureauofLands
andshallissueinthenameoftheGovernmentofthePhilippineIslandsunderthesignatureofGovernorGeneral,
countersigned by the Secretary of Agriculture and Natural Resources, but such patents or certificates shall be
effectiveonlyforthepurposesdefinedinsectiononehundredandtwentytwooftheLandRegistrationActandthe
actualconveyanceofthelandshallbeeffectedonlyasprovidedinsaidsection.

Section106. No patent shall issue nor shall any concession or contract be finally approved unless the land has
beensurveyedandanaccurateplatmadethereofbytheBureauofLands.

Section107.InnocaseshallanylandbegrantedundertheprovisionsofthisActwhenthisaffectsinjuriouslythe
useofanyadjacentlandorofthewaters,rivers,creeks,foreshore,roads,orroadsteads,orveststhegranteewith
othervaluablerightsthatmaybedetrimentaltothepublicinterest.

Section108.PatentsorcertificatesissuedundertheprovisionsofthisActshallnotincludenorconveythetitleto
any gold, silver, copper, iron, or other metals or minerals, or other substances containing minerals, guano, gums,
precious stones, coal, or coal oil contained in lands granted thereunder. These shall remain to be property of the
Government.

Section109.AllpersonsreceivingtitletolandsundertheprovisionsofthisAct,shallholdsuchlandssubjecttothe
provisionshereofandtothesamepublicservitudesasexistuponlandsownedbyprivatepersons,includingthose
withreferencetothelittoraloftheseaandthebanksofnavigableriverorriversuponwhichraftingmaybedone.

Section 110. Said lands shall further be subject to a right of way not over twenty meters in width for public
highways, railroads, irrigation ditches, aqueducts, telegraph and telephone lines, and similar works as the
Government or any public or quasipublic service or enterprise, including mining of forest concessionaires, may
reasonablyrequireforcarryingontheirbusiness,withdamagesfortheimprovementsonly.(Asamendedbysection
21ofActNo.3517).

Section111.Thebeneficialuseofwatershallbethebasis,themeasure,andthelimitofallrightsthereto,andthe
patentshereingrantedshallbesubjecttotherightoftheGovernmenttomakesuchrulesandregulationsforthe
useofwaterandtheprotectionofthewatersupply,andforotherpublicpurposes,asitmaydeembestforthepublic
good.Whenever,bypriorityofpossession,rightstotheuseofwaterformining,agricultural,manufacturing,orother
purposeshavevestedandaccrued,andthesamearerecognizedandacknowledgedbythelocalcustoms,orby
the laws and decisions of the courts, the possessors and owners of such vested rights shall be maintained and
protectedinthesame,andallpatentsgrantedunderthisActshallbesubjecttoanyvestedandaccruedrightsto
ditchesandreservoirsusedinconnectionwithsuchwaterrightsasmayhavebeenacquiredinthemannerabove
describedpriortoAprileleven,eighteenhundredandninetynine.
Section 112. There is hereby reserved from the operation of all patents, certificates, entires, and grants by the
GovernmentauthorizedunderthisAct,therighttouseforthepurposesofpoweranyflowofwaterinanystream
runningthroughorbythelandgranted,theconvertiblepowerfromwhichatordinarylowwaterexceedsfiftyhorse
power.WheretheconvertiblepowerinanystreamrunningthroughorbylandgrantedundertheauthorityofthisAct
thusexceedsfiftyhorsepower,andthereisnomeansofusingsuchpowerexceptbytheoccupationofapartofthe
land granted under authority of this Act, then so much as is reasonably necessary for the mill site or site for the
power house, and for a suitable dam and site for massing the water, is hereby excepted from such grants, not
exceedingfourhectares,andarightofwaytothenearestpublichighwayfromthelandthusexcepted,andalsoa
rightofwayfortheconstructionandmaintenanceofsuchflumes,aqueducts,wires,poles,orotherconduitsasmay
be needed in conveying the water to the point of conversion to the point of use, is reserved as a servitude or
easementuponthelandgrantedbyauthorityofthisAct:PROVIDED,however,ThatwhentheGovernmentorany
concessionaireoftheGovernmentshalltakepossessionoflandunderthissectionwhichagranteeunderthisAct
shallhavepaidfor,supposingittobesubjecttograntunderthisAct,saidgranteeshallbeentitledtoindemnityfrom
theGovernmentortheconcessionaire,asthecasemaybe,fortheamount,ifany,paidbyhimtotheGovernment
forthelandtakenfromhimbyvirtueofthissection:ANDPROVIDED,FURTHER,Thatwithrespecttotheflowof
water,exceptforconvertingthesameintopowerexceedingfiftyhorsepower,saidgranteeshallbeentitledtothe
sameuseofthewaterflowingthroughoralonghislandthatotherprivateownersenjoyunderthelaw,subjecttothe
governmentalregulationprovidedintheprevioussection.Waterpowerprivilegesinwhichtheconvertiblepowerat
ordinary low water shall exceed fifty horse power shall be disposed of only upon terms established by Act of the
Legislatureconcerningtheuse,lease,oracquisitionofsuchwaterprivilege.

Section113.AllthelandsgrantedbyvirtueofthisActexcepthomesteaduponwhichfinalproofhasnotbeenmade
andapproved,shall,eventhough,andwhilethetitleremainsintheGovernment,besubjecttotheordinarytaxes
which shall be paid by the grantee beginning with the year next following the one in which the application or
concessionhasbeenapprovedorthecontractsigned,asthecasemaybe,onthebasisofthevaluefixedinsuch
approval,concessionorcontract.(Asamendedbysection17ofActNo.3219).

Section114.Theappraisalorreappraisalofthelandsorimprovementssubjecttoconcessionordispositionunder
this Act shall be made by the Director of Lands, with the approval of the Secretary of Agriculture and Natural
Resources.TheDirectorofLandsmayrequesttheassistanceoftheprovincialtreasureroftheprovinceinwhichthe
landliesormayappointacommitteeforsuchpurposeintheprovinceorinthemunicipalityinwhichthelandlies.In
no case shall the appraisal or reappraisal be less than the expense incurred or which may be incurred by the
Governmentinconnectionwiththeapplicationorconcession,norshallanyreappraisalbemadewithanincreaseof
morethanonehundredpercentumupontheappraisalorreappraisalnextpreceding.(Asamendedbysec.22of
ActNo.3517).

Section115.AllsumsdueandpayabletotheGovernmentunderthisActshalldrawsimpleinterestattherateof
four per centum per annum from and after the date in which the debtor shall become delinquent. The Director of
Lands may, however, remit such interest in the case of applicants for homesteads if it shall appear that the
delinquencyisduetonofaultorneglectontheirpart.(Asamendedbysection18ofAct.No.3219).

Section116. Except in favor of the Government or any of its branches, units or institutions, or legally constituted
banking corporations, lands acquired under the free patent or homestead provisions shall not be subject to
encumbranceoralienationfromthedateoftheapprovaloftheapplicationandforatermoffiveyearsfromandafter
thedateofissuanceofthepatentorgrant,norshalltheybecomeliabletothesatisfactionofanydebtcontracted
priortotheexpirationofsaidperiodbuttheimprovementsorcropsonthelandmaybemortgagedorpledgedto
qualifiedpersons,associations,orcorporations.(Asamendedbysection23ofActNo.3517).

Section117.Everyconveyanceoflandacquiredunderthefreepatentorhomesteadprovisions,whenproper,shall
besubjecttorepurchasebytheapplicant,hiswidow,orlegalheirs,foraperiodoffiveyearsfromthedateofthe
conveyance.

Section 118. Conveyance and encumbrance made by persons belonging to the socalled "nonChristian tribes,"
whenproper,shallnotbevalidunlessdulyapprovedbytheDirectoroftheBureauofnonChristiantribes.

Section119.ExceptwiththeconsentofthegranteeandtheapprovaloftheSecretaryofAgricultureandNatural
Resources,andsolelyforcommercial,industrial,educational,religiousorcharitablepurposesorforarightofway,
nocorporation,association,orpartnership,mayacquireorhaveanyright,title,interest,orpropertyrightwhatsoever
toanylandgrantedunderthefreepatent,homesteadorindividualsaleprovisionsofthisActortoanypermanent
improvementonsuchland.(Asamendedbysection24ofAct.No.3517).

Section 120. No land originally acquired in any manner under the provisions of this Act, nor any permanent
improvement on such land, shall be encumbered, alienated, or transferred, except to persons, corporations,
associations,orpartnershipswhomayacquirelandsofthepublicdomainunderthisActtocorporationsorganized
in the Philippine Islands authorized therefor by their charters, and upon express authorization by the Philippine
Legislature, to citizens of countries the laws of which grant to citizens of the Philippine Islands the same right to
acquire, hold, lease, encumber, dispose of, or alienate land, or permanent improvements thereon, or any interest
therein,astotheirowncitizens,onlyinthemannerandtotheextentspecifiedinsuchlaws,andwhilethesameare
inforce,butnotthereafter.

Section121.NolandoriginallyacquiredinanymannerundertheprovisionsoftheformerPublicLandActorofany
other Act, ordinance, royal order, royal decree, or any other provision of law formerly in force in the Philippine
Islands with regard to public lands, terrenos baldios y realengos, or lands of any other denomination that were
actually or presumptively of the public domain, or by royal grant or in any other form, nor any permanent
improvement on such land, shall be encumbered, alienated, or conveyed, except to persons, corporations, or
associations who may acquire land of the public domain under this Act to corporate bodies organized in the
PhilippineIslandswhosechartersmayauthorizethemtodoso,and,uponexpressauthorizationbythePhilippine
Legislature, to citizens of countries the laws of which grant to citizens of the Philippine Islands the same right to
acquire, hold, lease, encumber, dispose of, or alienate land or permanent improvements thereon or any interest
therein,astotheirowncitizensandonlyinthemannerandtotheextentspecifiedinsuchlaws,andwhilethesame
areinforce,butnotthereafter:PROVIDED,however,Thatthisprohibitionshallnotbeapplicabletotheconveyance
or acquisition by reason of hereditary succession duly acknowledged and legalized by competent courts, nor to
lands and improvements acquired or held for industrial or residence purposes, while used for such purposes:
PROVIDED,further,Thatintheeventoftheownershipofthelandsandimprovementsmentionedinthissectionand
inthelastprecedingsectionbeingtransferredbyjudicialdecreetopersons,corporationsorassociationsnotlegally
capacitatedtoacquirethesameundertheprovisionsofthisAct,suchpersons,corporations,orassociationsshall
beobligedtoalienatesaidlandsorimprovementstootherssocapacitatedwithinthepreciseperiodoffiveyears,
underthepenaltyofsuchpropertyrevertingtotheGovernmentinthecontrarycase.

Section122. Any acquisition, conveyance, alienation, transfer, or other contract made or executed in violation of
anyoftheprovisionsofsectionsonehundredandsixteen,onehundredandeighteen,onehundrednineteen,one
hundred and twenty, and one hundred and twentyone of this act shall be unlawful and null and void from its
executionandshallproducetheeffectofannullingandcancelingthegrant,title,patent,orpermitoriginallyissued,
recognized,orconfirmed,actuallyorpresumptively,andcausethereversionofthepropertyanditsimprovementsto
theGovernment.

Section122(A).Theprovisionsofsectionstwentythree,twentyfour,thirtyfour,fiftyseven,onehundredandtwenty,
andonehundredandtwentyoneofthisAct,andanyotherprovisionsorprovisionsrestrictingortendingtorestrict
therightofpersons,corporations,orassociationstoacquire,hold,lease,encumber,disposeof,oralienatelandin
thePhilippines,orpermanentimprovementsthereon,oranyinteresttherein,shallnotbeappliedincasesinwhich
the right to acquire, hold or dispose of such land, permanent improvements thereon or interests therein in the
Philippine Islands is recognized by existing treaties in favor of citizens or subjects of foreign nations and
corporations or associations organized and constituted by the same, which right in so far as it exists under such
treatise,shallcontinueandsubsistinthemannerandtotheextentstipulatedinsaidtreaties,andonlywhilethese
areinforce,butnotthereafter.

CHAPTERXV.

PENALPROVISIONS

Section123.Anypersonwhopresentsorcausestobepresented,orcooperatesinthepresentationof,anyfalse
application,declaration,orevidence,ormakesorcausestobemadeorcooperatesinthemakingofafalseaffidavit
insupportofanypetition,claim,orobjectionrespectinglandsofthepublicdomain,shallbedeemedguiltyofperjury
andpunishedaccordingly.

Section124.Anypersonwhovoluntarilyandmaliciouslypreventsorhindersorattemptstopreventorhinderthe
presentationofanyapplicationforpubliclandunderthisAct,orwhoinanymannerattemptstoexecuteorexecutes
acts intended to dissuade or discourage, or aid to dissuade or discharge, the acquisition of public lands, shall be
deemedguiltyofcoercionandtobepunishedaccordingly.

Section125.AnypersonwhosellsformsissuedanddistributedgratuitouslyunderthisActorwho,beinganofficer
chargedwithdistributingthem,refusesorfails,withoutsufficientreason,tofurnishthesame,shallbepunishedfor
eachoffensebyafineofnotmorethanonehundredpesosorbyimprisonmentfornotmorethanthreemonths,or
both,inthediscretionofthecourt.

Section125(A).Anyperson,corporation,associationorpartnershipnotqualifiedornolongerauthorizedtoapply
for public land under the provisions of this Act who files or induces or knowingly permits another person,
corporation, association or partnership to file an application in his or its behalf or for his or its interest, benefit or
advantage, shall be punished by a fine of not less than two hundred or more than five thousand pesos or by
imprisonmentfornotlessthantwomonthsnormorethanfiveyears,orboth,inthediscretionofthecourt,andthe
cancellationoftheapplication.

Section126.Anypersonwho,withouthavingthequalificationsrequiredbythisAct,shallbydeceitorfraudacquire
orattempttoacquirelandsofthepublicdomainorotherrealproperty,oranyright,title,orinterest,orpropertyright
ofanyclasstothesame,andanypersonaidingandabettinghimthereinorservingasameansortooltherefor,
shall,uponconviction,bepunishedbyafineofnotmorethanfivethousandpesos,orbyimprisonmentfornotmore
thanfiveyears,orboth,inthediscretionofthecourt.

TITLEVII

FINALPROVISIONS

CHAPTERXVI.

EFFECTIVENESSOFTHISACT

Section127.If,foranyreason,anysectionorprovisionofthisActischallengedinacompetentcourtandisheldto
beunconstitutionalorinvalidorif,foranyreason,thePresidentoftheUnitedStatesexceptsfromhisapprovalor
the United States Congress repeals or declares invalid, any section or provisions of this Act, none of the other
sections or provisions thereof shall be affected thereby and such other section and provisions shall continue to
governasifthesectionorprovisionssoannulled,disapproved,orrepealedhadneverbeenincorporatedinthisAct,
andlieuofthesectionorprovisionsoannulled,disapproved,orrepealed,theprovisionsofthelawonthesubject
thereof in force prior to the approval of this Act shall govern until the Legislature shall other wise provide in the
premises.

IncasethePresidentoftheUnitedStatesshouldhaveanyobjectiontoanyprovisionorprovisionsofthisAct,these
shallnottakeeffect,notwithstandingtheapprovalofthisActbythePresident,andinthemeantimetheprovisionsof
lawonthesubjectthereofinforcepriortotheapprovalofthisActshallcontinuetogoverninsteadofthesectionor
provisionobjected.ThePhilippineLegislatureshall,inviewoftheobjectionsofthePresident,takesuchactionasit
mayseefitatthenextregularsessionheldaftertheactionofthePresident,andwhateveractiontheLegislature
maythentakeshallbesubmittedtothePresident,forhisfinalsanction.

Section 128. Act Numbered Nine hundred and twenty six known as the "Public Land Act," and all acts and
regulations,orpartsthereof,inconsistentwiththeprovisionsofthisAct,areherebyrepealed.

Section129.ThisActshalltakeeffectonJulyfirst,nineteen,hundredandnineteen,unlesstheGovernorGeneral
shall, in the proclamation announcing its effectiveness, designate a date prior to July first, nineteen hundred and
nineteen, but posteriortothedateoftheapprovalofthisActbythePhilippineLegislature, in which case this Act
shalltakeeffectonthedatesodesignated.

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