Background and Rationale for the Repeal
- Originally, LRC’s authority aimed to facilitate government expropriation of large estates for distribution to tenant-farmers under the Agricultural Land Reform Code.
- Presidential Decree No. 27 (1972) declared tenant tillers of rice and corn lands as owners, eliminating the need for large estate expropriation.
- Dual authority led to overlapping functions between LRC and Bureau of Lands, resulting in inefficiencies, duplicated efforts, lowered surveying standards, and confusion in land survey records.
- Centralization of the survey plan verification and approval process is necessary to maintain compliance with standards and minimize irregularities.
Transfer of Survey Returns and Approved Plans
- The Land Registration Commissioner must, within 30 days from the Decree’s effectivity, transfer all survey returns submitted to the LRC to the Bureau of Lands.
- Copies of all survey plans previously approved by the LRC shall also be furnished to the Bureau of Lands.
- The Bureau of Lands shall verify and take appropriate actions based on these submissions following Section 1858 of the Revised Administrative Code and applicable rules.
Requirement of Director of Lands’ Report for Certain Survey Approvals
- For lands surveyed under Act 496 or Section 48 of Commonwealth Act No. 141 (the Public Land Act), no final decision on survey approvals shall be rendered until the Director of Lands submits a report and recommendation.
Effect on Conflicting Laws and Implementation
- Any laws or regulations inconsistent or contrary to this Decree are repealed or amended as necessary.
- The Decree takes effect immediately upon issuance.
Legal Authority and Enactment
- Issued by the President of the Philippines under constitutional powers and related Proclamations and General Orders ensuring executive authority.
- Aims at better governance of land survey approvals and land registration processes to improve legal clarity and administrative efficiency.