Law Summary
Application Requirements
- Application must include a map and technical description of the land.
- Affidavits from two disinterested persons residing in the municipality or barrio where the land is located must accompany the application.
- Affidavits serve to prove actual occupancy of the land claimed.
Notification and Public Posting Procedure
- Upon receipt of the application, the Director of Lands must post notices in conspicuous places:
- The provincial capital.
- The municipality.
- The barrio where the land is situated.
- Posting period must be two consecutive weeks.
- Notices must invite any person with interest to present objections or adverse claims.
Issuance of Title
- After the two-week posting period, the Director of Lands will review the application and affidavits.
- If the Director is satisfied of the truthfulness and eligibility of the applicant, the free patent title shall be issued.
- Title issuance is contingent on the absence of any objections or adverse claims filed during the posting period.
Legal Effectiveness
- The Act takes effect immediately upon approval, binding all relevant authorities to comply with its provisions.