Lacson bill unifies land-related functions with Land Administration Authority

A bill filed by Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson seeks to help Filipinos benefit from sustainable development by establishing a Land Administration Authority (LAA) that unifies the government’s land administration functions. 

Lacson said that, while land is considered the ultimate resource in sustaining life, government agencies have not been efficient in such functions as land surveys, mapping, classification, titling and disposition and registration.

“The proposed Land Reform Act seeks to improve the land sector as a driver to sustainable development, economic growth and poverty alleviation. The bill’s enactment will ensure recognition of the Philippines in the global initiative for sustainable development. It will ultimately improve the access to land and services for the majority of the Filipino people, especially the poor,” he wrote in Senate Bill 256.

He lamented that there are legal and institutional defects in the structure and operations of the land administration system, causing confusion, delays, high transaction costs, and graft and corruption.

Worse, duplication and overlapping activities by various government agencies may result in delays in the disposition and titling of alienable and disposable land; inaccurate and incomplete land information and records; proliferation of fake titles; and unnecessary costs of land administration services to national and local governments and clients.

Under Lacson’s bill, the LAA will be placed under the Office of the President, and will serve as the primary government agency responsible for land administration and public land management.

Any person or entity not qualified or authorized to apply for registration purposes that still files or knowingly lets another file an application in its behalf shall be punished for each offense by a fine of at least P100,000 or imprisonment of at least five years.

One who fraudulently tries to acquire public lands and any person aiding him or her shall be punished by a fine of P100,000 and imprisonment of at least five years.

Tampering LAA records to acquire rights, title or interest over lands may face a fine of at least P500,000 and imprisonment of at least 12 years.

Government officials or employees who violate the act also face removal from office, forfeiture of all retirement benefits except the monetary value of accumulated leave credits, and perpetual disqualification from elective or appointive public office.