Constitutional Context and Expiration of the Parity Agreement
- The Parity Agreement allowing U.S. citizens certain landholding rights expired on July 3, 1974.
- The Constitution and other pertinent laws limit ownership of land exclusively to Filipino citizens or corporations/entities with at least 60% Filipino ownership.
- A sufficient period was afforded to U.S. citizens and entities to divest landholdings following the expiration of the Parity Agreement.
Directive to the Solicitor General
- The Solicitor General is ordered to initiate appropriate legal proceedings against U.S. citizens or entities that continue to unlawfully hold lands in violation of the Constitution.
- Jurisdiction over all matters related to the divestment of landholdings from U.S. citizens and entities is transferred to the Solicitor General from the Cabinet Committee.
Specific Actions Regarding Conjugal Properties
- The Solicitor General shall grant clearance for registering lands considered conjugal property where one spouse is an American citizen, upon dissolution of the conjugal partnership.
Implementation and Enforcement
- The Solicitor General is empowered to act on other matters necessary to implement the constitutional limitations on land ownership.
- These provisions are aimed at enforcing Article XVII, Section 11 of the 1973 Philippine Constitution, affirming the expiration of U.S. rights under the Parity Agreement.
Overall Objective
- The law seeks to uphold constitutional provisions restricting land ownership to Filipinos or entities predominantly Filipino-owned.
- It ensures the divestment of landholdings by U.S. citizens and entities post the expiration of special privileges previously granted under international agreements.