Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 280)
Executive Order No. 280, signed by President Elpidio Quirino on October 12, 1949, returns all public lands formerly covered by expired Japanese leases and applications of dummies of Japanese and other foreign nationals to the jurisdiction of the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources and the Bureau of Lands.
All public lands formerly covered by expired Japanese leases, and canceled or rejected applications of dummies of Japanese and other foreign nationals previously placed under the administration of the National Abaca and Other Fibers Corporation are returned.
The lands returned are those actually occupied, cultivated, and developed by war veterans and other persons at their own expense.
Executive Order Nos. 29 (dated November 25, 1946) and 99 (dated October 22, 1947) are modified accordingly by EO No. 280.
The Bureau of Lands shall survey the lands to determine actual occupants; require occupants to file sales applications for their holdings; collect necessary occupation fees from the time it assumes administration; and take other necessary steps for proper administration and disposition under existing laws.
The administration and disposition of the returned lands are governed by Act No. 3038 and Commonwealth Act No. 141, as amended.
President Elpidio Quirino, by virtue of powers vested in him by law, authorized the issuance of EO No. 280.
It refers to applications made by people acting as front or proxies for Japanese and other foreign nationals to acquire public lands, which were canceled or rejected as per previous orders.
The Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources and the Bureau of Lands have jurisdiction, control, and disposition authority over the said public lands.
Occupation fees must be paid from the time the Bureau of Lands takes over the administration of the lands.