Question & AnswerQ&A (LETTER OF INSTRUCTIONS NO. 645)
The expiration marked the end of special rights previously granted to U.S. citizens and entities to own land in the Philippines, reinforcing constitutional provisions that restrict land ownership to Filipino citizens or qualifying entities.
The Solicitor General was directed to institute appropriate proceedings against such U.S. citizens or entities.
The constitutional basis is Article XVII, Section XI of the 1973 Constitution, which limits land ownership to Filipino citizens or corporations/entities with at least 60% ownership by Filipino citizens.
The committee evaluated land divestment proposals submitted by U.S. citizens and entities and granted approval for finalization or implementation of divestment schemes before the issuance of Letter of Instructions No. 645.
The Solicitor General was tasked to grant clearance for the registration of lands constituting conjugal partnership property where one spouse is an American citizen, upon dissolution of such conjugal partnership.
It enforces the constitutional and legal provisions limiting land ownership exclusively to Filipino citizens or entities with majority Filipino ownership, ensuring compliance after the expiration of the Parity Agreement.
It refers to corporations or similar bodies where Filipinos own at least 60% of the stock or capital, making them qualified under law to own land in the Philippines despite possible foreign minorities.
Appropriate legal proceedings must be instituted by the Solicitor General to enforce divestment and compliance with the constitutional land ownership restrictions.
The Solicitor General assumed jurisdiction over all matters pertaining to the divestment of U.S. citizens and entities, previously handled by the Cabinet Committee on Land Divestment of Private Landholdings of U.S. Citizens and Entities.