Question & AnswerQ&A (PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 713)
Presidential Decree No. 713 allows certain American citizens who were formerly Filipino citizens, Americans who have become permanent residents of the Philippines, and Americans who have continuously resided in the Philippines for at least 20 years and who acquired private residential lands before July 3, 1974, to continue holding such lands and transfer ownership to qualified persons or entities.
The beneficiaries are American citizens formerly Filipino citizens, Americans who have become permanent residents, and Americans who have resided continuously in the Philippines for at least 20 years, and who acquired private residential lands for family dwelling purposes prior to July 3, 1974.
The maximum area is five thousand (5,000) square meters for a family dwelling.
July 3, 1974 is the cutoff date before which the private residential lands were acquired; ownership rights are honored only for lands acquired before the expiration of the Philippine-United States Trade Agreement.
Yes, if they have become permanent residents or have continuously resided in the Philippines for at least 20 years, and the land was acquired in good faith before July 3, 1974.
They may continue holding the land and transfer ownership over such lands to qualified persons or entities.
It states that titles of American citizens over private landholdings acquired prior to July 3, 1974 shall be valid only as against other private persons, which PD 713 reinforces by allowing continued holding and transfer of such lands.
Yes, Section 2 provides that all laws, decrees, orders, policies, rules, and regulations inconsistent with PD 713 are repealed or modified accordingly.
PD 713 took effect immediately upon its signing on May 27, 1975.
The purpose is to treat American old-timers, former Filipino citizens, and Americans permanent residents with special consideration and compassion regarding private residential landholding rights.