Creation and Function of Presidential Committee
- Establishes the Presidential Action Committee on Land Problems (PACLAP) by executive order.
- Mandated to expedite and coordinate investigations and resolutions of land disputes.
- Aims to streamline and shorten administrative procedures.
- Empowered to adopt bold, decisive measures and recommend other solutions to land problems.
Composition of the Committee
- Chaired by the Secretary of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
- Includes Undersecretaries for Natural Resources and Agriculture as action officers.
- Members include officials from the Justice Department, Defense, PANAMIN, PC Chief, CNI, SFC, LA, Agrarian Counsel, and Directors from Lands, Forestry, Mines, and Fisheries.
- Represents diverse government agencies focused on land administration, agrarian reform, and minority concerns.
Powers and Authorities
- Authorized to subpoena witnesses and produce documents via subpoena duces tecum.
- Can seek assistance from any national government department, agency, government-owned corporations, and local government entities.
- Assistance must be promptly provided upon request.
- Special fund releases are authorized outside regular appropriations to support its functions.
Legal and Administrative Impact
- Enhances governmental capacity to address land-related conflicts efficiently.
- Reinforces justice mechanisms particularly for small landholders and cultural minorities.
- Institutionalizes inter-agency collaboration to reduce procedural delays and conflicts.
- Serves as a central body for coordinated land problem resolution at the national level.