Question & AnswerQ&A (Act No. 271)
The main purpose of Act No. 271 is to authorize religious corporations or associations of any sect or denomination to hold land in the Philippine Islands for building churches, parsonages, or educational or charitable institutions.
Under the Spanish regime and law, only the Catholic Church and its dependencies were allowed to hold land for constructing churches, parsonages, or educational or charitable institutions.
No, the Act applies to all religious associations regardless of incorporation, whether they are incorporated in the Philippine Islands, in some other country, or not incorporated at all.
Non-incorporated religious institutions shall hold the land in the name of three trustees for the use of the association. These trustees are selected by the directing body of the association in the Philippine Islands.
Vacancies among trustees caused by death, resignation, or other reasons shall be filled in the same manner as the original selection by the directing body in the Philippines.
All laws in conflict with sections one and two of Act No. 271 are repealed.
Act No. 271 took effect immediately upon its passage on October 19, 1901.
No, Act No. 271 was enacted under the authority of the United States which recognizes no state religion and treats all sects and denominations alike.
Religious associations can hold land for the purpose of building churches, parsonages, educational institutions, or charitable institutions.
Act No. 271 was enacted by the United States Philippine Commission by authority of the President of the United States.