Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 9322)
The main purpose of Republic Act No. 9322 is to reclassify a portion of land comprising 512.80 hectares of public land under Timberland Project Number 13-G, Block A, Barangay Ransang, Municipality of Rizal, Palawan, from timberland to agricultural land open for disposition.
It specifically reclassifies land under Timberland Project Number 13-G, Block A, as per Land Classification Map Number 3400, located in Barangay Ransang, Municipality of Rizal, Province of Palawan.
The total area of land reclassified is five hundred twelve and eighty (512.80) hectares.
The Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is responsible for issuing all necessary orders, rules, regulations, and circulars to implement this Act.
The Act took effect upon its approval on August 8, 2004, after it lapsed into law without the signature of the President as provided under Article VI, Section 27(1) of the Philippine Constitution.
"Open for disposition" means that the reclassified agricultural land is available for legal processes of distribution, sale, or allocation pursuant to applicable laws and regulations governing agricultural lands.
Land Classification Map Number 3400 is a reference map used to identify the specific boundaries and classification of the land being reclassified, essential for legal and administrative purposes.
The Act changes the status of the land from timberland, which is typically protected forest land, to agricultural land, which allows for its use in farming and related activities and for disposition.
The Act was consolidated from House Bill No. 6073 and Senate Bill No. 2572, with key signatories including Speaker Jose De Venecia Jr. and Senate President Franklin M. Drilon.
Article VI, Section 27(1) of the 1987 Philippine Constitution provides that if the President does not sign or veto a bill within 30 days of receipt, it shall lapse into law as if signed by the President.