Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 11231)
The official title is the "Agricultural Free Patent Reform Act."
The state's declared policy is to remove restrictions on free patents to allow efficient and effective utilization of agricultural lands to contribute to wealth creation, entrepreneurship, and economic development.
This Act specifically addresses agricultural public lands alienated or disposed in favor of qualified public land applicants under Section 44 of Commonwealth Act No. 141, as amended.
RA 11231 removes restrictions on registration, acquisition, encumbrance, alienation, transfer, and conveyance of land covered by free patents under Sections 118, 119, and 121 of Commonwealth Act No. 141.
Agricultural free patents shall be considered as title in fee simple and shall not be subject to any restrictions on encumbrance or alienation.
Yes, the Act shall have retroactive effect, meaning any restrictions imposed on agricultural free patents prior to the effectivity of the Act shall be removed immediately.
Yes, the right of redemption under Section 119 of Commonwealth Act No. 141 for transactions made in good faith prior to the effectivity of this Act remains unaffected.
If any provision or part of this Act is declared invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining provisions not affected shall remain in full force and effect.
All laws, decrees, orders, rules, regulations, circulars, and other issuances or parts thereof inconsistent with this Act are repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.
The Act took effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.