LMB hosts consultation-writeshop to revise the Public Land Act

The Land Management Bureau (LMB) recently led a three-day consultation-writeshop at the Estancia Resort Hotel in Tagaytay on November 4 to 6, 2024 to revise Commonwealth Act No. 141, also known as the Public Land Act of 1936. Representatives from the Legal Affairs Service of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Central Office, and Regional Legal Division Chiefs, gathered to discuss and come up with proposals to modernize the law, aligning it with the 1987 Constitution and current land laws and issuances.

In her opening remarks, LMB Legal Division Chief, Atty. Marlou Alutaya, underscored the necessity of harmonizing the existing patchwork of land laws into a single, updated Public Land Act to facilitate a smoother implementation and to have a clearer legal reference. With the Public Land Act now approaching 88 years since its enactment, Atty. Alutaya stressed that revising the law is essential to meet contemporary land management needs.

(Left to right): LMB Legal Division Chief, Atty. Marlou P. Alutaya and LMB Technical Assistant Atty. Karlon Pambid sets the stage for meaningful discussions and collaborative feedback during the Consultation-Writeshop

DENR Assistant Secretary for Interagency Relations and Land Matters, Atty. Michelle Angelica Go, expressed her commendation for this initiative, emphasizing the value of establishing a theoretical framework and a cohesive legal philosophy to guide the revisions. “Sharing insights on the nuances of the law as it applies to your respective regions will provide critical perspectives for this endeavor,” Asec Go remarked.

Key topics of discussion also included finalizing the proposed Revised DENR Administrative Order (DAO) No. 2016-31, which addresses gaps and gray areas in the existing procedures for investigating and resolving land disputes.

In their closing messages, LMB Assistant Director Engr. Romeo Verzosa extended his gratitude to the participants for their dedication, and shared an excerpt from the book Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell that says, “Land is the only thing in the world that amounts to anything, for it’s the only thing in this world that lasts. It’s the only thing worth working for, worth fighting for.”

(Left to right) LMB Assistant Director, Engr. Romeo Verzosa and LMB Director, Atty. Emelyne Talabis, motivate participants to continue pushing for meaningful reforms to the Public Land Act, marking a memorable end to the writeshop

For LMB Director Atty. Emelyne Talabis, a revised Public Land Act should reflect present-day realities, address current challenges, and align with modern standards. “A revised law could streamline the procedures for land classification, titling, and disposition. This would enhance the DENR’s efficiency in processing land title applications, ensuring faster and more reliable public service,” she stated.

The writeshop is anticipated to yield a draft bill revising the Public Land Act and a new administrative policy revising the existing DAO No. 2016-31. These proposed revisions mark significant progress toward integrating existing land laws and issuances, enhancing both legal coherence and procedural clarity.