Cancellation Guidelines for Illegal CLOA, CLT, EP Titles

Illegal titles based on CLOAs, CLTs, and EPs over inalienable lands are null and void from inception.
Despite registration with the Registry of Deeds, such titles lack legal validity.
Cancellation is to be pursued through appropriate proceedings before the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), not the Office of the Solicitor General.

Sections 49 and 50 of RA No. 6657 (Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law - CARL) along with Section 34 of Executive Order 129-A provide for a quasi-judicial body with primary jurisdiction over agrarian reform issues.
This body has exclusive original jurisdiction over agrarian reform matters except those under exclusive jurisdiction of DAR and DENR.
Actions for cancellation of titles covering forest, reserved, proclaimed, or inalienable lands are filed with the Provincial Agrarian Reform Adjudication Board (PARAB), Regional Agrarian Reform Adjudication Board (RARAB) or DAR Adjudication Board (DARAB).

Filing of petition/complaint for cancellation, supported by:
- Affidavits of witnesses
- Documentary evidence (land classification maps, proclamations, forestry administrative orders)
- Initiated by PENRO, ARED, or Regional Executive Director
- Complaint filed with PARAB where land is located
- Defendants/respondents furnished copy of complaint and annexes
- Venue is in the province where the land is situated; hearing can be transferred for compelling reasons
Conduct of Proceedings:
- Summons and notice of hearing served to adverse party
- Sworn answer filed within 10 days; failure to answer does not cause default
- Proceedings are non-litigious; legal technicalities do not apply if due process is observed
- Memorandum or draft decision submitted by parties within 10 days after hearing
- Decision rendered within 15 days from submission and 60 days from filing complaint
- Decision becomes final within 15 days from receipt unless appealed or motion for reconsideration filed
Appeals:
- Aggrieved party may appeal to the Court of Appeals within 15 days from receipt of decision
- DAR decision is immediately executory despite appeal

Immediate steps urged for inventorying and documenting cases of illegal or irregular CLOAs, CLTs, or EPs for cancellation
Complaints filed must be reported to the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Lands and Legislative Affairs, Chair of Anti-Fake and Illegal Titles Task Force

Cancellation of titles based on various certificates issued over prohibited lands is a legal tool to enforce public land protection.
Quasi-judicial bodies specialized in agrarian reform have exclusive jurisdiction to adjudicate these cases.
The non-litigious nature of the proceedings emphasizes expeditious resolution with less procedural rigidity.
Decision enforcement is prioritized to prevent perpetuation of illegal land ownership.
Administrative cooperation between DENR and DAR is essential to combat illegal titling schemes.