Law Summary
Issuance of Implementing Rules and Orders
- The Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is empowered to issue necessary orders, rules, and circulars.
- These issuances are to ensure the proper implementation of the reclassification provisions.
Effectivity of the Law
- The Act becomes effective immediately upon its approval.
Legislative Process and Approval
- The Act is the consolidation of House Bill No. 12238 and Senate Bill No. 2161.
- Passed by the House of Representatives on February 8, 2001, and by the Senate on February 5, 2001.
- The President of the Philippines approved the Act on April 20, 2001.
Key Legal Concepts
- Timberland: Previously classified forest lands under government jurisdiction protected from private appropriation.
- Alienable and Disposable Land: Land classified for disposition or private ownership under the State's administrative authority.
- Reclassification: Legal adjustment of land status allowing for change in use and ownership rights.
Scope and Coverage
- Applies exclusively to the entire land area of Ramesamey/Cowrie Island in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.
- Affects land management, utilization, and disposition policies applicable to this Island.
Role of Government Authorities
- DENR Secretary holds administrative and regulatory authority for enforcing and implementing reclassification.
- Local government units are implicitly involved once land status changes to alienable and disposable for potential local transactions or development.
Legal Impact and Implications
- Shifts land use policy from protected forest conservation to possible private ownership and development.
- Facilitates economic activities and land acquisition opportunities on Ramesamey/Cowrie Island.
- Establishes legal basis for title issuance and land disposition consistent with alienable and disposable classification.