Title
Unlawful entry or occupation of public lands
Law
Republic Act No. 947
Decision Date
Jun 20, 1953
Republic Act No. 947 prohibits the forcible entry or occupation of public agricultural lands in the Philippines, with violators facing fines, imprisonment, or both.

Law Summary

Limitation Period for Instituting Criminal Action

  • Criminal proceedings for violations must be initiated within one year from when the cause of action arises.
  • Failure to file within this period bars prosecution.

Penalties for Violations

  • Violators may be punished by a fine of up to one thousand pesos.
  • Alternatively, imprisonment may be imposed for a term not exceeding one year.
  • The court may impose both fine and imprisonment at its discretion.
  • Insolvent offenders who cannot pay fines shall serve subsidiary imprisonment as per the Revised Penal Code’s guidelines.
  • When the offender is a corporation or association, the president, director, manager, or managing partner shall be held criminally liable.

Effectivity of the Act

  • The law takes effect immediately upon approval by the legislature.

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