Presidential Action Committee on Land Problems

The Committee is chaired by the Secretary of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
Members include the Undersecretary for Natural Resources (Action Officer), Undersecretary for Agriculture (Action Officer), and Undersecretary of Justice Guillermo Santos.
Other members are from the Department of National Defense, PANAMIN, Philippine Constabulary, CNI, SFC, the Land Authority, agrarian counsel, and directors or commissioners from lands, forestry, mines, and fisheries sectors.
The membership reflects a broad multi-agency approach ensuring representation of key stakeholders involved in land issues.

The Committee is authorized to subpoena witnesses and documents through subpoena duces tecum.
It can call for assistance from any department, office, agency, or instrumentality of the National Government, including government-owned or controlled corporations and local government units.
All requested assistance must be provided immediately to facilitate the Committee’s functions.

The Committee is empowered to streamline and shorten administrative procedures related to land dispute resolution.
It may adopt bold and decisive measures to solve land problems and recommend other appropriate solutions.
Special releases of funds are authorized to support the Committee’s functions that cannot be covered by regular appropriations.
This enables the Committee to act effectively and promptly in managing land conflict issues.

The creation of the Committee aligns with the government policy prioritizing the protection and assistance of small settlers and cultural minorities over large landowners.
It recognizes the social unrest provoked by unresolved land disputes and strives to bring about immediate settlements.
The Committee functions as a mechanism to ensure justice and promote harmony in agrarian reform and land ownership matters.