Acquisition Limits and Conditions
- Maximum land area: 1,000 square meters for urban land; 1 hectare for rural land.
- Applicable to natural-born Filipinos with legal capacity to contract under Philippine law.
- Married couples: only one may avail, or if both do, total land must not exceed allowed limits.
- Can acquire additional land provided total landholdings do not exceed prescribed limits.
Restrictions on Number and Type of Land Lots
- A transferee may acquire up to two lots, located in different municipalities or cities.
- Total areas must respect the 1,000 sqm urban or 1-hectare rural limit.
- Acquiring both urban and rural land not allowed; must choose one category.
Definitions and Classification of Areas
- Natural-born citizen: citizen from birth, no need for naturalization acts.
- Urban areas include:
- Entire municipalities with population density ≥ 1,000 persons/km².
- Poblaciones/central districts with ≥ 500 persons/km².
- Specific poblaciones with characteristic street patterns, multiple establishments, and at least 3 public amenities (e.g., town hall, market).
- Barangays with ≥ 1,000 inhabitants mainly engaged in non-farming/fishing.
- All other areas are rural.
Modes of Land Acquisition Covered
- Voluntary transfers: sale, devise, donation.
- Involuntary transfers: tax delinquency sales, foreclosures, executions of judgment.
Documentation Requirements for Title Registration
- Transferee must submit a sworn statement with:
- Birth date and place.
- Names and addresses of parents, spouse, and children.
- Details of existing landholdings.
- Intention to reside permanently in the Philippines.
Use Restrictions and Penalties for Violations
- Land acquired must only be used as the transferee's residence.
- Penalties for violations include:
- Forfeiture of land and improvements to the National Government.
- Possible criminal liability and deportation.
- Permanent disqualification from benefits under this Act.
- Failure to reside permanently within two years (except force majeure) triggers penalties.
- Escheat proceedings may be initiated by the Solicitor General.
Rulemaking Authority
- The Minister of Justice shall promulgate necessary rules and regulations.
- Rules become effective 15 days after publication in a general circulation newspaper.
Separability Clause
- If any provision is declared unconstitutional, remaining parts remain effective.
Effectivity
- The Act took effect upon its approval on March 16, 1982.