Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 11231)
The official short title of Republic Act No. 11231 is the "Agricultural Free Patent Reform Act."
The main policy objective is to remove restrictions on free patents to allow efficient and effective utilization of agricultural lands, thereby contributing to wealth creation, entrepreneurship, and economic development.
RA 11231 specifically addresses Sections 118, 119, and 121 of Commonwealth Act No. 141 regarding restrictions imposed on free patents.
The Act removes all restrictions on acquisitions, encumbrances, conveyances, transfers, or dispositions of agricultural free patents, which shall now be considered as title in fee simple.
Yes, the Act has retroactive effect and lifts all previously imposed restrictions on agricultural free patents issued before its effectivity.
Transactions made in good faith prior to the Act’s effectivity are not affected in terms of the right of redemption under Section 119 of Commonwealth Act No. 141.
If any provision is declared invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining parts or provisions not affected shall remain in full force and effect.
All inconsistent laws, decrees, orders, rules, regulations, circulars, and other issuances or parts thereof are repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.
The Act took effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte signed Republic Act No. 11231 into law on February 22, 2019.