Law Summary
Restriction on Judicial and Administrative Actions on Ejectment Cases
- Courts and tribunals, including the Court of Agrarian Relations, Courts of First Instance, municipal or city courts, and any other hearing officers, cannot take cognizance of ejectment cases involving tenant-farmers unless certified by the Secretary of Agrarian Reform.
- Cases filed by landowners to harass or remove tenant-farmers must first be referred to the Secretary of Agrarian Reform or an authorized local representative for preliminary determination.
- If the Secretary certifies the case as proper for trial or hearing, the court or hearing officer may then assume jurisdiction.
Government Efforts to Maintain Status Quo
- All government officials are mandated to exert efforts to maintain the existing conditions or status quo between tenant-farmers and landowners as previously established by Presidential instructions.
Repeal and Modification of Conflicting Laws
- Any existing laws, orders, rules, or regulations, or parts thereof, which conflict with or are inconsistent with this decree are repealed or modified accordingly.
Immediate Effectivity
- The decree takes effect immediately upon issuance.
Contextual Background and Social Justice Emphasis
- The decree responds to widespread ejectment threats and suits by landowners, which caused tension and disturbances in rural peace and order.
- It reflects the government’s stance against harassment of tenant-farmers during the period of agrarian reform implementation and aims to promote social justice and a compassionate Filipino society under the "New Society" policy.