Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 9120)
The primary purpose of Republic Act No. 9120 is to reclassify the entire land within Ramesamey/Cowrie Island in the City of Puerto Princesa, Province of Palawan, from timberland to alienable and disposable land.
It specifically covers the whole island known as Ramesamey/Cowrie Island located in the City of Puerto Princesa, Province of Palawan, with an area of 34,572 square meters.
Reclassification liberates the land from forest reservations (timberland) making it available for disposition such as sale, lease, or other forms of alienation to qualified individuals or entities.
The Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is authorized to issue all necessary orders, rules, and circulars to implement the provisions of this Act.
This Act took effect upon its approval on April 20, 2001.
The boundary of the reclassified land is described with precise compass bearings and distances starting from a point marked "1" in the Puerto Princesa City Cadastre, listing sequential points and measurements around the island.
The reference establishes a legal baseline or monument that ensures accurate survey and identification of the land's location and boundaries for reclassification and disposition purposes.
The Act was signed into law by then-President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
The law text provided does not specify penalties or sanctions; it primarily focuses on reclassification and implementation.
Both the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines passed the Act, with dates of passage on February 5, 2001 (Senate) and February 8, 2001 (House of Representatives).
Reclassification allows private ownership or use rights to be granted, as alienable and disposable lands are those which can be owned by private parties as opposed to reserved public lands like timberlands.