Title
Landowner-Tet Relations Regulation Act
Law
Republic Act No. 44
Decision Date
Oct 3, 1946
Republic Act No. 44 protects tenants from being dispossessed of the land they cultivate, with the Department of Justice having the authority to approve any dispossession and enforce laws related to tenancy disputes.

Protection Against Tenant Dispossession

  • Tenants cultivating land under any tenancy system shall not be dispossessed except for causes enumerated in Section 19 of Act No. 4054 or any just cause.
  • Dispossession requires prior approval from an authorized representative of the Department of Justice (DOJ).

Enforcement and Authority of the Department of Justice

  • DOJ is charged with enforcing laws, orders, and regulations concerning tenancy systems.
  • DOJ empowered to issue necessary orders on matters such as crop liquidation, division, and expense apportionment.

Appeal and Judicial Review Procedures

  • Either landowner or tenant aggrieved by DOJ action may appeal within fifteen days upon receipt of notice.
  • Disputes may also be brought to the Court of Industrial Relations.
  • Filing an appeal generally stays the execution of the contested action unless the Court orders immediate execution and requires a bond.

Investigation and Interim Powers of the DOJ and Its Representatives

  • DOJ, Provincial Fiscals, their Assistants, or Justices of the Peace may initiate investigations upon petition or motu proprio.
  • Authorized to summon witnesses, require document production via subpoena duces tecum, and issue interim orders.
  • These orders are immediately executory unless stayed by the filing of a bond.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

  • Contempt sanctions apply for disobedience of summons, refusal to testify, or violation of DOJ orders.
  • Contempt is triable by the Court of First Instance or Justice of the Peace where the contempt occurred.

Effectivity

  • The Act took effect upon approval on October 3, 1946.

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