Policy Framework Under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law
- R.A. No. 6657 covers all agricultural lands regardless of tenurial arrangement or commodity produced, including public and private lands suitable for agriculture (Section 4).
- DAR must acquire lands obtained by PCGG and complete implementation within 4 years (Section 7).
- No Philippine court may issue injunctions against DAR or its agencies in agrarian reform enforcement (Section 55).
- Agricultural lands under court litigation require a court order authorizing DAR to proceed with acquisition and distribution pending final adjudication.
- Compensation for land is deposited in trust with the Land Bank of the Philippines, under Sandiganbayan's control.
- DAR must inventory sequestered/acquired lands in coordination with PCGG and APT within 6 months of this Order.
Procedures for DAR Municipal Office (DARMO)
- Conduct ocular inspection and field investigation upon request from DAR Provincial Office (DARPO).
- If ownership is contested, DARMO requests Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer (PARO) to secure a court order permitting acquisition and deposit of compensation.
- Issue Notice of Compulsory Coverage to registered owners with copy to PCGG, APT, and courts, attaching the court order.
- For properties under Mother CLOAs, request DARPO to provide survey parties for necessary land surveys.
Responsibilities of DAR Provincial Office (DARPO)
- Provide MARO with an updated list of sequestered/surrendered properties indicating contested status.
- Require DARMO to conduct necessary inspections and investigations.
- Review DARMO reports and implement stipulated procedures in A.O. No. 1, Series of 1993.
- Coordinate with Legal Division to file Motion for Intervention in court to allow acquisition despite litigation and deposit of compensation.
- Upon court order receipt, transmit a copy to MARO to prepare Notice of Compulsory Acquisition.
Reporting and Monitoring
- Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer (PARO) shall submit monthly reports on status of PCGG/APT sequestered/acquired lands to the Undersecretary for Field Operations and Support Services through the Regional Office.
- Copies of the report are furnished to Undersecretary for Special Concerns and External Affairs, Bureau of Land Acquisition and Distribution, Management Information Service, PCGG, APT, and Land Bank of the Philippines.
Repealing Clause and Effectivity
- All orders, circulars, and issuances inconsistent with this Order are repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.
- The Order takes effect 10 days after publication in two newspapers of general circulation, in accordance with Section 49 of R.A. 6657.