Title
Eminent Domain Procedures for Govt Entities
Law
Act No. 2826
Decision Date
Mar 5, 1919
Act No. 2826 establishes additional procedures for eminent domain cases in the Philippines, including rules for immediate possession, deposit of value, uncertain ownership, partial reports, distribution of money, and claim proceedings, when the condemnation is in favor of the Insular Government, province, or municipality.

Immediate Entry and Deposit Requirement

  • Plaintiff (government entity) may immediately enter the land subject to condemnation upon filing proceedings.
  • Entry is conditioned on depositing the land's value in cash or a government certificate of deposit with the provincial treasurer.
  • The amount deposited is determined promptly by the competent court.
  • The provincial treasurer holds the deposit subject to the court's order and final judgment.
  • The court may authorize possession orders and mandates based on the deposit made.

Handling Uncertain Ownership and Compensation Payment

  • If ownership of the land is uncertain or there are conflicting claims, the court must ensure actual owners are notified and have appeared.
  • Upon condemnation decree, the court orders compensation payments into the court clerk’s custody for the benefit of rightful claimants.
  • Compensation sums are fixed according to rules in section 244 of Act No. 190.
  • After compensation is paid or tendered and costs are covered, the plaintiff may appropriate the land for public use.
  • Court clerk receiving payment holds it liable under bond and must accept the payment.

Partial Reports by Commissioners

  • Commissioners may submit partial reports regarding portions of the land covered.
  • The court may issue judgments on partial reports if deemed just and reasonable.
  • Commissioners continue work on remaining land portions and submit further reports until full accounting is complete.

Claimants’ Rights to Fund Distribution

  • Persons claiming entitlement to funds paid into court may prosecute claims for distribution.
  • The court distributes the funds among claimants based on justice and may assess reasonable costs.
  • The plaintiff in the condemnation case is not necessarily a party to these distribution proceedings and is not liable for their costs.

Effective Date

  • The Act took effect immediately upon its approval on March 5, 1919.

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