Composition and Leadership
- Chaired by the Secretary of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
- Members include the Small Farmers Commission Chairman, Deputy Governor of the Land Authority, Undersecretaries of Justice and National Defense, PANAMIN Chairman, Chief of Constabulary, Commissioner on National Integration, Directors of Lands and Forestry, Agrarian Counsel, and Land Registration Commissioner.
- The Undersecretary for Agriculture chairs meetings in the absence of the Secretary of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
Core Functions and Responsibilities
- Investigate, coordinate, and resolve land disputes expeditiously, focusing on public lands and lands of the public domain.
- Streamline administrative procedures relating to land problems.
- Coordinate and integrate activities of all government agencies involved with public lands.
- Review and study current land laws and policies to recommend new laws, policies, and priorities for land grants with emphasis on small farmers and agro-industrial needs.
- Simplify processing of land applications to assist small settlers.
- Develop and implement systems for the speedy investigation and resolution of land disputes.
- Receive complaints from settlers and small farmers regarding land issues.
- Address conflicts between Christians and cultural minorities, and between corporations and small settlers/farmers, ensuring speedy settlements.
- Perform other functions as assigned by the President.
Powers and Authority
- The Committee Chairman can appoint or designate officers and staff, prescribe their compensation, and create positions or subcommittees as needed to fulfill Committee objectives.
- Authorized to subpoena witnesses, documents (subpoena duces tecum), and call for assistance or personnel detail from any government entity, including government-owned or controlled corporations and local government units.
- Such assistance and personnel detail must be promptly provided upon the Committee’s request.
Financial Authority
- Authorized to obtain special releases of funds necessary for the Committee’s functions when such needs cannot be covered by regular appropriations.
Effectivity and Supersession
- The Executive Order reconstituting the Committee revokes Executive Order No. 238 (June 18, 1970), as amended by Executive Order No. 246 (July 16, 1970), and Memorandum Circular No. 352 (May 15, 1970).
- Any other inconsistent orders, circulars, or parts thereof are modified to conform with this Executive Order.