Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 15) — The Senate on Tuesday approved on third and final reading a bill seeking to simplify the procedure and requirements in granting land deeds to farmers.
Senate Bill No. 1931 aims to improve the confirmation of imperfect titles by amending Presidential Decree No. 1529 (Property Registration Decree), Commonwealth Act No. 141 (Public Land Act), and Republic Act No. 9176.
The current law requires a copy of the original classification approved by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary, a certification from the City Environment and Natural Resources Office, and an official publication of the Environment Secretary’s issuance declaring that the land title is alienable and disposable.
Once enacted into law, the proposed measure would remove the requirement for a certification from the DENR Secretary and other requirements to proving one’s ownership.
Senate Bill No. 1931 also proposes to shorten the period of possession required for the perfection of imperfect titles from 74 years to 30 years.
The bill would also remove the fixed term set on Dec. 31 this year for the filling of application of agriculture free patents as stated in R.A. No. 9176.
A similar bill was also approved on final reading at the House of Representatives last month.
