Parties and Filing of Petition
- The Roman Catholic Apostolic Church or its representatives may file a petition in the Supreme Court for property withheld by the Independent Filipino Church or any other party.
- The petition must succinctly designate the property by general location (municipality or barrio) without exact metes and bounds.
- Defendants include the Independent Filipino Church representatives and the municipality where the property is located.
- Summons shall be issued and served promptly with provisions for special officers if necessary.
Multiple Defendants and Petitions
- A single petition may cover multiple defendants holding different properties within the same province.
Answer and Pleadings
- Defendants must file answers within 40 days, denying petitioners' claims and stating facts supporting their interest.
- Answers must note the use and duration of use of the property and its connection with the Roman Catholic Church.
- Failure to answer leads to the allegations being deemed admitted, and the court will issue a decree and writ of possession accordingly.
- Answers must be under oath if the petition is under oath.
Evidence and Appointment of Commissioners
- Petitioner has 60 days to present evidence; defendant then 60 days; petitioner then 30 days to reply.
- Parties may notify early completion of evidence-taking to expedite the process.
- Court may appoint special commissioners (including clerks of courts) to take evidence, issue summons, compel witnesses, and administer oaths.
Stipulation of Facts and Hearing
- Attorneys must meet within seven days after the case is at issue to stipulate agreed facts to reduce evidence-taking.
- Cases under this Act are given priority in the Supreme Court’s hearing schedule.
Court’s Decree and Writ of Possession
- If petitioner prevails, the court decrees return of personal property and ouster of defendants from real property, issuing writs of possession.
- If defendants prevail, the case is dismissed.
- The court may issue partial decrees if petitioner is entitled only to some properties.
Municipalities’ Claims
- Municipalities may also file actions against the Roman Catholic Church for properties in their possession.
- Such suits require prior approval of the Attorney-General, who controls the litigation.
- Municipal suing procedures are similar to other cases under this Act.
- Nothing in the Act prevents parties from filing in lower courts or land registration courts if not using this special procedure.
Government and Hospitals Claims
- The Supreme Court also has original jurisdiction over disputes between the Government and Roman Catholic Church concerning titles, ownership, or possession of hospitals, asylums, charitable institutions, or other property.
- Procedures established in the Act apply.
Costs and Fees
- All costs of actions under this Act, except attorney's fees, are borne by the Government of the Philippine Islands.
- The Philippine Commission shall appropriate funds as needed.
- Costs are limited to those lawfully accruing in the Supreme Court.
Appeals by Municipalities
- Municipalities cannot appeal the Supreme Court's decision to the U.S. Supreme Court without the Attorney-General's approval and direction.
Expediency in Enactment
- The enactment of this law is expedited by the Philippine Commission.
Effectivity
- The Act takes effect immediately upon passage.