Title
Validation and Nullification of Baguio Titles
Law
Presidential Decree No. 1271
Decision Date
Dec 22, 1977
Presidential Decree No. 1271 nullifies certain titles of lands within the Baguio Townsite Reservation, while establishing conditions for the validation of valid titles and the surrender and cancellation of invalid titles, and creating a special fund for the development and welfare of the City of Baguio, with violations subject to imprisonment.
A

Exclusion of Fraudulent Registrations

  • Titles obtained through fraud or misrepresentation in the reopening proceedings are not validated.
  • No confirmation or issuance of new titles can legitimize titles acquired by fraud in those proceedings.

Surrender and Evacuation for Invalid Titles

  • Holders of invalid titles not validated must surrender titles within 90 days of decree effectivity.
  • Owners/possessors must vacate the lands and remove improvements within six months upon notice.
  • Improvements causing damage upon removal are forfeited or removed at the owner's expense.
  • Taxes and fees paid on these lands are forfeited to the government.

Cancellation of Titles by Commission on Land Registration

  • Within 90 days after the decree, the Commission on Land Registration will cancel titles not validated or those whose holders did not avail themselves of benefits.

Special Fund for Baguio Development

  • Fees collected from validated title holders are placed in a special fund.
  • This fund is dedicated to development, improvement, and welfare projects in Baguio City.
  • It also covers expenses related to the decree's implementation.

Committee for Implementation and Enforcement

  • Committee composed of the Secretary of Justice (Chairman), Solicitor General, and Director of Lands is tasked with implementing the decree.
  • The committee will promulgate rules and regulations.
  • Must ensure compliance and may request assistance from other government agencies.
  • Solicitor General authorized to initiate recovery suits for lands covered by void titles.

Penalties for Violations

  • Violators of the decree or its implementing rules face imprisonment from six months to six years.
  • This includes making false statements or misrepresentations related to the application of the decree.

Repeal and Effectivity

  • All laws and decrees inconsistent with this decree are repealed.
  • The decree takes effect immediately upon issuance.

Analyze Cases Smarter, Faster
Jur helps you analyze cases smarter to comprehend faster, building context before diving into full texts. AI-powered analysis, always verify critical details.