Question & AnswerQ&A (Act No. 2804)
The main purpose of Act No. 2804 is to amend Section 21 of Act No. 1120, as amended by Act No. 2509, authorizing the cession of certain limited tracts of the so-called friar lands and buildings thereon to municipal governments under certain conditions.
The Governor-General, when authorized by resolution of the Senate, has the authority to designate any tract or tracts of friar lands as nonalienable and reserve them for public use by proclamation.
Once designated as nonalienable and reserved for public use, such tracts shall not be subject to sale, lease, or other disposition under the Act.
The Governor-General can exempt any unsold or vacant friar land from lease, sale, or other disposition on petition by any provincial or municipal government, branch of the Insular Government, or any Government entity for public service or use, by issuing an executive order.
The provincial or municipal government, branch of the Insular Government, or Government entity petitioning for the land reservation is required to pay the full value of the property reserved, together with accrued interest, to the friar lands sinking fund.
Yes, if the Governor-General, upon recommendation of the Secretary of Agriculture and Natural Resources, finds that the municipality concerned lacks available funds, he may order payment for lots reserved for school, public market, cemetery, or municipal government building purposes to be made out of Insular funds, relieving the municipality from payment.
Public uses that may qualify include school, public market, cemetery, or municipal government building purposes.
Act No. 2804 takes effect upon its approval.
Any provincial or municipal government, branch of the Insular Government, or any Government entity can petition for exemption.
The Secretary of Agriculture and Natural Resources may recommend to the Governor-General the exemption of a municipality from payment for reserved friar land lots if the municipality lacks available funds.