RepublicofthePhilippines

CongressofthePhilippines
MetroManila
FourteenthCongress
ThirdRegularSession
BegunandheldinMetroManila,onMonday,thetwentyseventhdayofJuly,twothousandnine.
RepublicActNo.9700August7,2009
ANACTSTRENGTHENINGTHECOMPREHENSIVEAGRARIANREFORMPROGRAM(CARP),EXTENDINGTHEACQUISITIONAND
DISTRIBUTIONOFALLAGRICULTURALLANDS,INSTITUTINGNECESSARYREFORMS,AMENDINGFORTHEPURPOSECERTAIN
PROVISIONSOFREPUBLICACTNO.6657,OTHERWISEKNOWNASTHECOMPREHENSIVEAGRARIANREFORMLAWOF1988,AS
AMENDED,ANDAPPROPRIATINGFUNDSTHEREFOR
BeitenactedbytheSenateandHouseofRepresentativesofthePhilippinesinCongressassembled::
Section1.Section2ofRepublicActNo.6657,asamended,otherwiseknownastheComprehensiveAgrarianReformLawof1988,isherebyfurtheramendedto
readasfollows:
"SEC.2.DeclarationofPrinciplesandPolicies.ItisthepolicyoftheStatetopursueaComprehensiveAgrarianReformProgram(CARP).
Thewelfareofthelandlessfarmersandfarmworkerswillreceivethehighestconsiderationtopromotesocialjusticeandtomovethenation
towardsoundruraldevelopmentandindustrialization,andtheestablishmentofownercultivatorshipofeconomicsizefarmsasthebasisof
Philippineagriculture.
"TheStateshallpromoteindustrializationandfullemploymentbasedonsoundagriculturaldevelopmentandagrarianreform,through
industriesthatmakefullandefficientuseofhumanandnaturalresources,andwhicharecompetitiveinbothdomesticandforeignmarkets:
Provided,Thattheconversionofagriculturallandsintoindustrial,commercialorresidentiallandsshalltakeintoaccount,tillers'rightsand
nationalfoodsecurity.Further,theStateshallprotectFilipinoenterprisesagainstunfairforeigncompetitionandtradepractices.

"TheStaterecognizesthatthereisnotenoughagriculturallandtobedividedanddistributedtoeachfarmerandregularfarmworkersothat
eachonecanownhis/hereconomicsizefamilyfarm.Thisbeingthecase,ameaningfulagrarianreformprogramtoupliftthelivesand
economicstatusofthefarmerandhis/herchildrencanonlybeachievedthroughsimultaneousindustrializationaimedatdevelopingaself
reliantandindependentnationaleconomyeffectivelycontrolledbyFilipinos.
"Tothisend,theStatemay,intheinterestofnationalwelfareordefense,establishandoperatevitalindustries.
"Amoreequitabledistributionandownershipofland,withdueregardtotherightsoflandownerstojustcompensation,retentionrightsunder
Section6ofRepublicActNo.6657,asamended,andtotheecologicalneedsofthenation,shallbeundertakentoprovidefarmersand
farmworkerswiththeopportunitytoenhancetheirdignityandimprovethequalityoftheirlivesthroughgreaterproductivityofagricultural
lands.
"Theagrarianreformprogramisfoundedontherightoffarmersandregularfarmworkers,whoarelandless,toowndirectlyorcollectivelythe
landstheytillor,inthecaseofotherfarmworkers,toreceiveajustshareofthefruitsthereof.Tothisend,theStateshallencourageand
undertakethejustdistributionofallagriculturallands,subjecttotheprioritiesandretentionlimitssetforthinthisAct,takingintoaccount
ecological,developmental,andequityconsiderations,andsubjecttothepaymentofjustcompensation.TheStateshallrespecttherightof
smalllandowners,andshallprovideincentiveforvoluntarylandsharing.
"Asmuchaspracticable,theimplementationoftheprogramshallbecommunitybasedtoassure,amongothers,thatthefarmersshallhave
greatercontroloffarmgateprices,andeasieraccesstocredit.
"TheStateshallrecognizetherightoffarmers,farmworkersandlandowners,aswellascooperativesandotherindependentfarmers
organizations,toparticipateintheplanning,organization,andmanagementoftheprogram,andshallprovidesupporttoagriculturethrough
appropriatetechnologyandresearch,andadequatefinancial,production,marketingandothersupportservices.
"TheStateshallrecognizeandenforce,consistentwithexistinglaws,therightsofruralwomentoownandcontrolland,takinginto
considerationthesubstantiveequalitybetweenmenandwomenasqualifiedbeneficiaries,toreceiveajustshareofthefruitsthereof,andtobe
representedinadvisoryorappropriatedecisionmakingbodies.Theserightsshallbeindependentoftheirmalerelativesandoftheircivilstatus.
"TheStateshallapplytheprinciplesofagrarianreform,orstewardship,wheneverapplicable,inaccordancewithlaw,inthedispositionor
utilizationofothernaturalresources,includinglandsofthepublicdomain,underleaseorconcession,suitabletoagriculture,subjecttoprior
rights,homesteadrightsofsmallsettlersandtherightsofindigenouscommunitiestotheirancestrallands.

"TheStatemayresettlelandlessfarmersandfarmworkersinitsownagriculturalestates,whichshallbedistributedtotheminthemanner
providedbylaw.
"Bymeansofappropriateincentives,theStateshallencouragetheformationandmaintenanceofeconomicsizefamilyfarmstobeconstituted
byindividualbeneficiariesandsmalllandowners.
"TheStateshallprotecttherightsofsubsistencefishermen,especiallyoflocalcommunities,tothepreferentialuseofcommunalmarineand
fishingresources,bothinlandandoffshore.Itshallprovidesupporttosuchfishermenthroughappropriatetechnologyandresearch,adequate
financial,productionandmarketingassistanceandotherservices.TheStateshallalsoprotect,developandconservesuchresources.The
protectionshallextendtooffshorefishinggroundsofsubsistencefishermenagainstforeignintrusion.Fishworkersshallreceiveajustshare
fromtheirlaborintheutilizationofmarineandfishingresources.
"TheStateshallbeguidedbytheprinciplesthatlandhasasocialfunctionandlandownershiphasasocialresponsibility.Ownersof
agriculturallandhavetheobligationtocultivatedirectlyorthroughlaboradministrationthelandstheyownandtherebymaketheland
productive.
"TheStateshallprovideincentivestolandownerstoinvesttheproceedsoftheagrarianreformprogramtopromoteindustrialization,
employmentandprivatizationofpublicsectorenterprises.Financialinstrumentsusedaspaymentforlandsshallcontainfeaturesthatshall
enhancenegotiabilityandacceptabilityinthemarketplace.
"TheStatemayleaseundevelopedlandsofthepublicdomaintoqualifiedentitiesforthedevelopmentofcapitalintensivefarms,and
traditionalandpioneeringcropsespeciallythoseforexportssubjecttothepriorrightsofthebeneficiariesunderthisAct."
Section2.Section3ofRepublicActNo.6657,asamended,isherebyfurtheramendedtoreadasfollows:
"SEC.3.Definitions.ForthepurposeofthisAct,unlessthecontextindicatesotherwise:
"xxx
"(f)Farmerreferstoanaturalpersonwhoseprimarylivelihoodiscultivationoflandortheproductionofagriculturalcrops,livestockand/or
fisherieseitherbyhimself/herself,orprimarilywiththeassistanceofhis/herimmediatefarmhousehold,whetherthelandisownedbyhim/her,
orbyanotherpersonunderaleaseholdorsharetenancyagreementorarrangementwiththeownerthereof.
"xxx

"(1)Ruralwomenrefertowomenwhoareengageddirectlyorindirectlyinfarmingand/orfishingastheirsourceoflivelihood,whetherpaidor
unpaid,regularorseasonal,orinfoodpreparation,managingthehousehold,caringforthechildren,andothersimilaractivities."
Section3.Section4ofRepublicActNo.6657,asamended,isherebyfurtheramendedtoreadasfollows:
"SEC.4.Scope.TheComprehensiveAgrarianReformLawof1988shallcover,regardlessoftenurialarrangementandcommodityproduced,
allpublicandprivateagriculturallandsasprovidedinProclamationNo.131andExecutiveOrderNo.229,includingotherlandsofthepublic
domainsuitableforagriculture:Provided,Thatlandholdingsoflandownerswithatotalareaoffive(5)hectaresandbelowshallnotbecovered
foracquisitionanddistributiontoqualifiedbeneficiaries.
"Morespecifically,thefollowinglandsarecoveredbytheCARP:
"(a)Allalienableanddisposablelandsofthepublicdomaindevotedtoorsuitableforagriculture.Noreclassificationofforestor
minerallandstoagriculturallandsshallbeundertakenaftertheapprovalofthisActuntilCongress,takingintoaccountecological,
developmentalandequityconsiderations,shallhavedeterminedbylaw,thespecificlimitsofthepublicdomain;
"(b)AlllandsofthepublicdomaininexcessofthespecificlimitsasdeterminedbyCongressintheprecedingparagraph;
"(c)AllotherlandsownedbytheGovernmentdevotedtoorsuitableforagriculture;and
"(d)Allprivatelandsdevotedtoorsuitableforagricultureregardlessoftheagriculturalproductsraisedorthatcanberaisedthereon.
"AcomprehensiveinventorysysteminconsonancewiththenationallanduseplanshallbeinstitutedbytheDepartmentofAgrarianReform
(DAR),inaccordancewiththeLocalGovernmentCode,forthepurposeofproperlyidentifyingandclassifyingfarmlandswithinone(1)year
fromeffectivityofthisAct,withoutprejudicetotheimplementationofthelandacquisitionanddistribution."
Section4.ThereshallbeincorporatedafterSection6ofRepublicActNo.6657,asamended,newsectionstoreadasfollows:
"SEC.6A.ExceptiontoRetentionLimits.Provincial,cityandmunicipalgovernment,unitsacquiringprivateagriculturallandsby
expropriationorothermodesofacquisitiontobeusedforactual,directandexclusivepublicpurposes,suchasroadsandbridges,public
markets,schoolsites,resettlementsites,localgovernmentfacilities,publicparksandbarangayplazasorsquares,consistentwiththeapproved
localcomprehensivelanduseplan,shallnotbesubjecttothefive(5)hectareretentionlimitunderthisSectionandSections70and73(a)of
RepublicActNo.6657,asamended:Provided,ThatlandssubjecttoCARPshallfirstundergothelandacquisitionanddistributionprocessof

theprogram:Provided,further,Thatwhentheselandshavebeensubjectedtoexpropriation,theagrarianreformbeneficiariesthereinshallbe
paidjustcompensation."
"SEC.6B.ReviewofLimitsofLandSize.Withinsix(6)monthsfromtheeffectivityofthisAct,theDARshallsubmitacomprehensive
studyonthelandsizeappropriateforeachtypeofcroptoCongressforapossiblereviewoflimitsoflandsizesprovidedinthisAct."
Section5.Section7ofRepublicActNo.6657,asamended,isherebyfurtheramendedtoreadasfollows:
"SEC.7.Priorities.TheDAR,incoordinationwiththePresidentialAgrarianReformCouncil(PARC)shallplanandprogramthefinal
acquisitionanddistributionofallremainingunacquiredandundistributedagriculturallandsfromtheeffectivityofthisActuntilJune30,2014.
Landsshallbeacquiredanddistributedasfollows:
"PhaseOne:Duringthefive(5)yearextensionperiodhereafterallremaininglandsabovefifty(50)hectaresshallbecoveredforpurposesof
agrarianreformupontheeffectivityofthisAct.Allprivateagriculturallandsoflandownerswithaggregatelandholdingsinexcessoffifty(50)
hectareswhichhavealreadybeensubjectedtoanoticeofcoverageissuedonorbeforeDecember10,2008;riceandcornlandsunder
PresidentialDecreeNo.27;allidleorabandonedlands;allprivatelandsvoluntarilyofferedbytheownersforagrarianreform:Provided,That
withrespecttovoluntarylandtransfer,onlythosesubmittedbyJune30,2009shallbeallowedProvided,further,ThatafterJune30,2009,the
modesofacquisitionshallbelimitedtovoluntaryoffertosellandcompulsoryacquisition:Provided,furthermore,Thatallpreviouslyacquired
landswhereinvaluationissubjecttochallengebylandownersshallbecompletedandfinallyresolvedpursuanttoSection17ofRepublicAct
No.6657,asamended:Provided,finally,asmandatedbytheConstitution,RepublicActNo.6657,asamended,andRepublicActNo.3844,as
amended,onlyfarmers(tenantsorlessees)andregularfarmworkersactuallytillingthelands,ascertifiedunderoathbytheBarangayAgrarian
ReformCouncil(BARC)andattestedunderoathbythelandowners,arethequalifiedbeneficiaries.Theintendedbeneficiaryshallstateunder
oathbeforethejudgeofthecityormunicipalcourtthathe/sheiswillingtoworkonthelandtomakeitproductiveandtoassumetheobligation
ofpayingtheamortizationforthecompensationofthelandandthelandtaxesthereon;alllandsforeclosedbygovernmentfinancial
institutions;alllandsacquiredbythePresidentialCommissiononGoodGovernment(PCGG);andallotherlandsownedbythegovernment
devotedtoorsuitableforagriculture,whichshallbeacquiredanddistributedimmediatelyupontheeffectivityofthisAct,withthe
implementationtobecompletedbyJune30,2012;
"PhaseTwo:(a)Landstwentyfour(24)hectaresuptofifty(50)hectaresshalllikewisebecoveredforpurposesofagrarianreformuponthe
effectivityofthisAct.Allalienableanddisposablepublicagriculturallands;allarablepublicagriculturallandsunderagroforest,pastureand
agriculturalleasesalreadycultivatedandplantedtocropsinaccordancewithSection6,ArticleXIIIoftheConstitution;allpublicagricultural
landswhicharetobeopenedfornewdevelopmentandresettlement:andallprivateagriculturallandsoflandownerswithaggregate
landholdingsabovetwentyfour(24)hectaresuptofifty(50)hectareswhichhavealreadybeensubjectedtoanoticeofcoverageissuedonor
beforeDecember1O,2008,toimplementprincipallytherightsoffarmersandregularfarmworkers,whoarelandless,toowndirectlyor

collectivelythelandstheytill,whichshallbedistributedimmediatelyupontheeffectivityofthisAct,withtheimplementationtobecompleted
byJune30,2012;and
"(b)Allremainingprivateagriculturallandsoflandownerswithaggregatelandholdingsinexcessoftwentyfour(24)hectares,regardlessasto
whetherthesehavebeensubjectedtonoticesofcoverageornot,withtheimplementationtobeginonJuly1,2012andtobecompletedbyJune
30,2013;
"PhaseThree:Allotherprivateagriculturallandscommencingwithlargelandholdingsandproceedingtomediumandsmalllandholdings
underthefollowingschedule:
"(a)Landsoflandownerswithaggregatelandholdingsaboveten(10)hectaresuptotwentyfour(24)hectares,insofarastheexcesshectarage
aboveten(10)hectaresisconcerned,tobeginonJuly1,2012andtobecompletedbyJune30,2013;and
"(b)Landsoflandownerswithaggregatelandholdingsfromtheretentionlimituptoten(10)hectares,tobeginonJuly1,2013andtobe
completedbyJune30,2014;toimplementprincipallytherightoffarmersandregularfarmworkerswhoarelandless,toowndirectlyor
collectivelythelandstheytill.
"Thescheduleofacquisitionandredistributionofallagriculturallandscoveredbythisprogramshallbemadeinaccordancewiththeabove
orderofpriority,whichshallbeprovidedintheimplementingrulestobepreparedbythePARC,takingintoconsiderationthefollowing:the
landholdingswhereinthefarmersareorganizedandunderstand,themeaningandobligationsoffarmlandownership;thedistributionoflands
tothetillersattheearliestpracticabletime;theenhancementofagriculturalproductivity;andtheavailabilityoffundsandresourcesto
implementandsupporttheprogram:Provided,ThatthePARCshalldesignandconductseminars,symposia,informationcampaigns,andother
similarprogramsforfarmerswhoarenotorganizedornotcoveredbyanylandholdings.Completionbythesefarmersoftheaforementioned
seminars,symposia,andothersimilarprogramsshallbeencouragedintheimplementationofthisActparticularlytheprovisionsofthis
Section.
"LandacquisitionanddistributionshallbecompletedbyJune30,2014onaprovincebyprovincebasis.Inanycase,thePARCorthePARC
ExecutiveCommittee(PARCEXCOM),uponrecommendationbytheProvincialAgrarianReformCoordinatingCommittee(PARCCOM),
maydeclarecertainprovincesasprioritylandreformareas,inwhichcasetheacquisitionanddistributionofprivateagriculturallandstherein
underadvancedphasesmaybeimplementedaheadoftheaboveschedulesontheconditionthatpriorphasesintheseprovinceshavebeen
completed:Provided,Thatnotwithstandingtheaboveschedules,phasethree(b)shallnotbeimplementedinaparticularprovinceuntilatleast
ninetypercent(90%)oftheprovincialbalanceofthatparticularprovinceasofJanuary1,2009underPhaseOne,PhaseTwo(a),PhaseTwo
(b),,andPhaseThree(a),excludinglandsunderthejurisdictionoftheDepartmentofEnvironmentandNaturalResources(DENR),havebeen
successfullycompleted.

"ThePARCshallestablishguidelinestoimplementtheaboveprioritiesanddistributionscheme,includingthedeterminationofwhoare
qualifiedbeneficiaries:Provided,Thatanownertillermaybeabeneficiaryofthelandhe/shedoesnotownbutisactuallycultivatingtothe
extentofthedifferencebetweentheareaofthelandhe/sheownsandtheawardceilingofthree(3)hectares:Provided,further,Thatcollective
ownershipbythefarmerbeneficiariesshallbesubjecttoSection25ofRepublicActNo.6657,asamended:Provided,furthermore,Thatrural
womenshallbegiventheopportunitytoparticipateinthedevelopmentplanningandimplementationofthisAct:Provided,finally,Thatinno
caseshouldtheagrarianreformbeneficiaries'sex,economic,religious,social,culturalandpoliticalattributesadverselyaffectthedistribution
oflands."
Section6.ThetitleofSection16ofRepublicActNo.6657,asamended,isherebyfurtheramendedtoreadasfollows:
"SEC.16.ProcedureforAcquisitionandDistributionofPrivateLands."
Section7.Section17ofRepublicActNo.6657,asamended,isherebyfurtheramendedtoreadasfollows:
"SEC.17.DeterminationofJustCompensation.Indeterminingjustcompensation,thecostofacquisitionoftheland,thevalueofthe
standingcrop,thecurrent:valueoflikeproperties,itsnature,actualuseandincome,theswornvaluationbytheowner,thetaxdeclarations,the
assessmentmadebygovernmentassessors,andseventypercent(70%)ofthezonalvaluationoftheBureauofInternalRevenue(BIR),
translatedintoabasicformulabytheDARshallbeconsidered,subjecttothefinaldecisionofthepropercourt.Thesocialandeconomic
benefitscontributedbythefarmersandthefarmworkersandbytheGovernmenttothepropertyaswellasthenonpaymentoftaxesorloans
securedfromanygovernmentfinancinginstitutiononthesaidlandshallbeconsideredasadditionalfactorstodetermineitsvaluation."
Section8.ThereshallbeincorporatedafterSection22ofRepublicActNo.6657,asamended,anewsectiontoreadasfollows:
"SEC.22A.OrderofPriority.AlandholdingofalandownershallbedistributedfirsttoqualifiedbeneficiariesunderSection22,
subparagraphs(a)and(b)ofthatsamelandholdinguptoamaximumofthree(3)hectareseach.Onlywhenthesebeneficiarieshaveall
receivedthree(3)hectareseach,shalltheremainingportionofthelandholding,ifany,bedistributedtootherbeneficiariesunderSection22,
subparagraphs(c),(d),(e),(f),and(g)."
Section9.Section24ofRepublicActNo.6657,asamended,isherebyfurtheramendedtoreadasfollows:
"SEC.24.AwardtoBeneficiaries.Therightsandresponsibilitiesofthebeneficiariesshallcommencefromtheirreceiptofadulyregistered
emancipationpatentorcertificateoflandownershipawardandtheiractualphysicalpossessionoftheawardedland.Suchawardshallbe
completedinnotmorethanonehundredeighty(180)daysfromthedateofregistrationofthetitleinthenameoftheRepublicofthe
Philippines:Provided,Thattheemancipationpatents,thecertificatesoflandownershipaward,andothertitlesissuedunderanyagrarian

reformprogramshallbeindefeasibleandimprescriptibleafterone(1)yearfromitsregistrationwiththeOfficeoftheRegistryofDeeds,
subjecttotheconditions,limitationsandqualificationsofthisAct,thepropertyregistrationdecree,andotherpertinentlaws.Theemancipation
patentsorthecertificatesoflandownershipawardbeingtitlesbroughtundertheoperationofthetorrenssystem,areconferredwiththesame
indefeasibilityandsecurityaffordedtoalltitlesunderthesaidsystem,asprovidedforbyPresidentialDecreeNo.1529,asamendedby
RepublicActNo.6732.
"ItistheministerialdutyoftheRegistryofDeedstoregisterthetitleofthelandinthenameoftheRepublicofthePhilippines,aftertheLand
BankofthePhilippines(LBP)hascertifiedthatthenecessarydepositinthenameofthelandownerconstitutingfullpaymentincashorinbond
withduenoticetothelandownerandtheregistrationofthecertificateoflandownershipawardissuedtothebeneficiaries,andtocancel
previoustitlespertainingthereto.
"Identifiedandqualifiedagrarianreformbeneficiaries,basedonSection22ofRepublicActNo.6657,as,amended,shallhaveusufructuary
rightsovertheawardedlandassoonastheDARtakespossessionofsuchland,andsuchrightshallnotbediminishedevenpendingthe
awardingoftheemancipationpatentorthecertificateoflandownershipaward.
"Allcasesinvolvingthecancellationofregisteredemancipationpatents,certificatesoflandownershipaward,andothertitlesissuedunderany
agrarianreformprogramarewithintheexclusiveandoriginaljurisdictionoftheSecretaryoftheDAR."
Section10.Section25ofRepublicActSo.6657,asamended,isherebyfurtheramendedtoreadasfollows:
"SEC.25.AwardCeilingsforBeneficiaries.Beneficiariesshallbeawardedanareanotexceedingthree(3)hectares,whichmaycovera
contiguoustractoflandorseveralparcelsoflandcumulateduptotheprescribedawardlimits.Thedeterminationofthesizeofthelandfor
distributionshallconsidercroptype,,soiltype,weatherpatternsandotherpertinentvariablesorfactorswhicharedeemedcriticalforthe
successofthebeneficiaries.
"ForpurposesofthisAct,alandlessbeneficiaryisonewhoownslessthanthree(3)hectaresofagriculturalland.
"Wheneverappropriate,theDARshallencouragetheagrarianreformbeneficiariestoformorjoinfarmers'cooperativesforpurposesof
affiliatingwithexistingcooperativebanksintheirrespectiveprovincesorlocalities,aswellasformingblocsofagrarianreformbeneficiaries,
corporations,andpartnershipsandjoiningotherfarmers'collectiveorganizations,includingirrigators'associations:Provided,Thattheagrarian
reformbeneficiariesshallbeassuredofcorrespondingsharesinthecorporation,seatsintheboardofdirectors,andanequitableshareinthe
profit.

"Ingeneral,thelandawardedtoafarmerbeneficiaryshouldbeintheformofanindividualtitle,coveringone(1)contiguoustractorseveral
parcelsoflandcumulateduptoamaximumofthree(3)hectares.
"Thebeneficiariesmayoptforcollectiveownership,suchascoworkersorfarmerscooperativeorsomeotherformofcollectiveorganization
andfortheissuanceofcollectiveownershiptitles:Provided,Thatthetotalareathatmaybeawardedshallnotexceedthetotalnumberofco
ownersormembersofthecooperativeorcollectiveorganizationmultipliedbytheawardlimitaboveprescribed,exceptinmeritoriouscasesas
determinedbythePARC.
"Theconditionsfortheissuanceofcollectivetitlesareasfollows:
"(a)ThecurrentfarmmanagementsystemofthelandcoveredbyCARPwillnotbeappropriateforindividualfarmingoffarm
parcels;
"(b)Thefarmlaborsystemisspecialized,wherethefarmworkersareorganizedbyfunctionsandnotbyspecificparcelssuchas
spraying,weeding,packingandothersimilarfunctions;
"(c)Thepotentialbeneficiariesarecurrentlynotfarmingindividualparcelshutcollectivelyworkonlargecontiguousareas;and
"(d)Thefarmconsistsofmultiplecropsbeingfarmedinanintegratedmannerorincludesnoncropproductionareasthatare
necessaryfortheviabilityoffarmoperations,suchaspackingplants,storageareas,dikes,andothersimilarfacilitiesthatcannotbe
subdividedorassignedtoindividualfarmers.
"ForidleandabandonedlandsorunderdevelopedagriculturallandstobecoveredbyCARP,collectiveownershipshallbeallowedonlyifthe
beneficiariesoptforitandthereisacleardevelopmentplanthatwouldrequirecollectivefarmingorintegratedfarmoperationsexhibitingthe
conditionsdescribedabove.Otherwise,thelandawardedtoafarmerbeneficiaryshouldbeintheformofanindividualtitle,coveringone(1)
contiguoustractorseveralparcelsoflandcumulateduptoamaximumofthree(3)hectares.
"Incaseofcollectiveownership,titletothepropertyshallbeissuedinthenameofthecoownersorthecooperativeorcollectiveorganization
asthecasemaybe.Ifthecertificatesoflandownershipawardaregiventocooperativesthenthenamesofthebeneficiariesmustalsobelisted
inthesamecertificateoflandownershipaward.
"Withregardtoexistingcollectivecertificatesoflandownershipaward,theDARshouldimmediatelyundertaketheparcelizationofsaid
certificatesoflandownershipaward,particularlythosethatdonotexhibittheconditionsforcollectiveownershipoutlinedabove.TheDAR
shallconductareviewandredocumentationofallthecollectivecertificatesoflandownershipaward.TheDARshallprepareaprioritizedlist

ofcertificatesoflandownershipawardtobeparcelized.TheparcelizationshallcommenceimmediatelyuponapprovalofthisActandshallnot
exceedaperiodofthree(3)years.Onlythoseexistingcertificatesoflandownershipawardthatarecollectivelyfarmedorareoperatedinan
integratedmannershallremainascollective."
Section11.Section26ofRepublicActNo.6657,asamended,isherebyfurtheramendedtoreadasfollows:
"SEC.26.PaymentbyBeneficiaries.LandsawardedpursuanttothisActshallbepaidforbythebeneficiariestotheLBPinthirty(30)annual
amortizationsatsixpercent(6%)interestperannum.Theannualamortizationshallstartone(1)yearfromthedateofthecertificateofland
ownershipawardregistration.However,iftheoccupancytookplaceafterthecertificateoflandownershipawardregistration,theamortization
shallstartone(1)yearfromactualoccupancy.Thepaymentsforthefirstthree(3)yearsaftertheawardshallbeatreducedamountsas
establishedbythePARC:Provided,Thatthefirstfive(5)annualpaymentsmaynotbemorethanfivepercent(5%)ofthevalueoftheannual
grossproductionasestablishedbytheDAR.Shouldthescheduledannualpaymentsafterthefifth(5th)yearexceedtenpercent(10%)ofthe
annualgrossproductionandthefailuretoproduceaccordinglyisnotduetothebeneficiary'sfault,theLBPshallreducetheinterestrateand/or
reducetheprincipalobligationtomaketherepaymentaffordable.
"TheLBPshallhavealienbywayofmortgageonthelandawardedtothebeneficiary;andthismortgagemaybeforeclosedbytheLBPfor
nonpaymentofanaggregateofthree(3)annualamortizations.TheLBPshalladvisetheDARofsuchproceedingsandthelattershall
subsequentlyawardtheforfeitedlandholdingtootherqualifiedbeneficiaries.Abeneficiarywhoseland,asprovidedherein,hasbeen
foreclosedshallthereafterbepermanentlydisqualifiedfrombecomingabeneficiaryunderthisAct."
Section12.Section27ofRepublicActNo.6657,asamended,isherebyfurtheramendedtoreadasfollows:
"SEC.27.TransferabilityofAwardedLands.LandsacquiredbybeneficiariesunderthisActorotheragrarianreformlawsshallnotbesold,
transferredorconveyedexceptthroughhereditarysuccession,ortothegovernment,ortotheLBP,ortootherqualifiedbeneficiariesthrough
theDARforaperiodoften(10)years:Provided,however,Thatthechildrenorthespouseofthetransferorshallhavearighttorepurchasethe
landfromthegovernmentorLBPwithinaperiodoftwo(2)years.DuenoticeoftheavailabilityofthelandshallbegivenbytheLBPtothe
BARCofthebarangaywherethelandissituated.ThePARCCOM,ashereinprovided,shall,inturn,begivenduenoticethereofbytheBARC.
"Thetitleofthelandawardedundertheagrarianreformmustindicatethatitisanemancipationpatentoracertificateoflandownershipaward
andthesubsequenttransfertitlemustalsoindicatethatitisanemancipationpatentoracertificateoflandownershipaward.
"Ifthelandhasnotyetbeenfullypaidbythebeneficiary,therightstothelandmaybetransferredorconveyed,withpriorapprovalofthe
DAR,toanyheirofthebeneficiaryortoanyotherbeneficiarywho,asaconditionforsuchtransferorconveyance,shallcultivatetheland

himself/herself.Failingcomplianceherewith,thelandshallbetransferredtotheLBPwhichshallgiveduenoticeoftheavailabilityoftheland
inthemannerspecifiedintheimmediatelyprecedingparagraph.
"IntheeventofsuchtransfertotheLBP,thelattershallcompensatethebeneficiaryinonelumpsumpfortheamountsthelatterhasalready
paid,togetherwiththevalueofimprovementshe/shehasmadeontheland."
Section13.Section36ofRepublicActNo.6657,asamended,isherebyfurtheramendedtoreadasfollows:
"SEC.36.FundingforSupportServices.Inordertocovertheexpensesandcostofsupportservices,atleastfortypercent(40%)ofall
appropriationsforagrarianreformduringthefive(5)yearextensionperiodshallbeimmediatelysetasideandmadeavailableforthispurpose:
Provided,ThattheDARshallpursueintegratedlandacquisitionanddistributionandsupportservicesstrategyrequiringaplantobedeveloped
paralleltothelandacquisitionanddistributionprocess.Theplanningandimplementationforlandacquisitionanddistributionshallbehandin
handwithsupportservicesdelivery:Provided,further,Thatforthenextfive(5)years,asfaraspracticable,aminimumoftwo(2)Agrarian
ReformCommunities(ARCs)shallbeestablishedbytheDAR,incoordinationwiththelocalgovernmentunits,nongovernmental
organizations,'communitybasedcooperativesandpeople'sorganizationsineachlegislativedistrictwithapredominantagriculturalpopulation:
Provided,furthermore,ThattheareasinwhichtheARCSaretobeestablishedshallhavebeensubstantiallycoveredundertheprovisionsof
thisActandotheragrarianorlandreformlaws:Provided,finally,Thatacomplementarysupportservicesdeliverystrategyforexistingagrarian
reformbeneficiariesthatarenotinbarangayswithintheARCsshallbeadoptedbytheDAR.
"Forthispurpose,anAgrarianReformCommunityiscomposedandmanagedbyagrarianreformbeneficiarieswhoshallbewillingtobe
organizedandtoundertaketheintegrateddevelopmentofanareaand/ortheirorganizations/cooperatives.Ineachcommunity,theDAR,
togetherwiththeagenciesandorganizationsabovementioned,shallidentifythefarmers'association,cooperativeortheirrespectivefederations
approvedbythefarmersbeneficiariesthatshalltaketheleadintheagriculturaldevelopmentofthearea.Inaddition,theDAR,inclose
coordinationwiththecongressionaloversightcommitteecreatedherein,withduenoticetotheconcernedrepresentativeofthelegislative
districtpriortoimplementationshallbeauthorizedtopackageproposalsandreceivegrants,aidsandotherformsoffinancialassistancefrom
anysource"
Section14.Section37ofRepublicActNo.6657,asamended,isherebyfurtheramendedtoreadasfollows:
"SEC.37.SupportServicesfortheAgrarianReformBeneficiaries.TheStateshalladopttheintegratedpolicyofsupportservicesdeliveryto
agrarianreformbeneficiaries.Tothisend,theDAR,theDepartmentofFinance,andtheBangkoSentralngPilipinas(BSP)shallinstitute
reformstoliberalizeaccesstocreditbyagrarianreformbeneficiaries.ThePARCshallensurethatsupportservicesforagrarianreform
beneficiariesareprovided,suchas:

"(a)Landsurveysandtitling;
"(b)Socializedtermsonagriculturalcreditfacilities;
"Thirtypercent(30%)ofallappropriationsforsupportservicesreferredtoinSection36ofRepublicActNo.6657,asamended,shall
beimmediatelysetasideandmadeavailableforagriculturalcreditfacilities:Provided,Thatonethird(1/3)ofthissegregated
appropriationshallbespecificallyallocatedforsubsidiestosupporttheinitialcapitalizationforagriculturalproductiontonew
agrarianreformbeneficiariesupontheawardingoftheemancipationpatentorthecertificateoflandownershipawardandthe
remainingtwothirds(2/3)shallbeallocatedtoprovideaccesstosocializedcredittoexistingagrarianreformbeneficiaries,including
theleaseholders:Provided,further,theLBPandotherconcernedgovernmentfinancialinstitutions,accreditedsavingsandcredit
cooperatives,financialservicecooperativesandaccreditedcooperativebanksshallprovidethedeliverysystemfordisbursementof
theabovefinancialassistancetoindividualagrarianreformbeneficiaries,holdersofcollectivetitlesandcooperatives.
"Forthispurpose,allfinancinginstitutionsmayacceptascollateralforloansthepurchaseorders,marketingagreementsorexpected
harvests:Provided,Thatloansobtainedshallbeusedintheimprovementordevelopmentofthefarmholdingoftheagrarianreform
beneficiaryortheestablishmentoffacilitieswhichshallenhanceproductionormarketingofagriculturalproductsofincreasefarm
incometherefrom:Provided,further,Thatoftheremainingseventypercent(70%)forthesupportservices,fifteenpercent(15%)shall
beearmarkedforfarminputsasrequestedbythedulyaccreditedagrarianreformbeneficiaries'organizations,suchas,butnotlimited
to:(1)seeds,seedlingsand/orplantingmaterials;(2)organicfertilizers;(3)pesticides;(4)herbicides;and(5)farmanimals,
implements/'machineries;andfivepercent(5%)forseminars,trainingsandtheliketohelpempoweragrarianreformbeneficiaries.
"(c)Extensionservicesbywayofplanting,cropping,productionandpostharvesttechnologytransfer,aswellasmarketingand
managementassistanceandsupporttocooperativesandfarmers'organizations;
"(d)Infrastructuresuchas,butnotlimitedto,accesstrails,minidams,publicutilities,marketingandstoragefacilities;
"(e)Research,productionanduseoforganicfertilizersandotherlocalsubstancesnecessaryinfarmingandcultivation;and
"(f)DirectandactiveDARassistanceintheeducationandorganizationofactualandpotentialagrarianreformbeneficiaries,atthe
barangay,municipal,city,provincial,andnationallevels,towardshelpingthemunderstandtheirrightsandresponsibilitiesasowner
cultivatorsdevelopingfarmrelatedtrustrelationshipsamongthemselvesandtheirneighbors,andincreasingfarmproductionand
profitabilitywiththeultimateendofempoweringthemtocharttheirowndestiny.Therepresentativesoftheagrarianreform
beneficiariestothePARCshallbechosenfromthe'nomineesofthedulyaccreditedagrarianreformbeneficiaries'organizations,orin

itsabsence,fromorganizationsofactualandpotentialagrarianreformbeneficiariesasforwardedtoandprocessedbythePARC
EXCOM.
"ThePARCshallformulatepoliciestoensurethatsupportservicesforagrarianreformbeneficiariesshallbeprovidedatallstagesofthe
programimplementationwiththeconcurrenceoftheconcernedagrarianreformbeneficiaries.
"ThePARCshalllikewiseadopt,implement,andmonitorpoliciesandprogramstoensurethefundamentalequalityofwomenandmeninthe
agrarianreformprogramaswellasrespectforthehumanrights,socialprotection,anddecentworkingconditionsofbothpaidandunpaidmen
andwomenfarmerbeneficiaries.
"TheBagongKilusangKabuhayansaKaunlaran(BKKK)SecretariatshallbetransferredandattachedtotheLBP,foritssupervision
includingallitsapplicableandexistingfunds,personnel,properties,equipmentandrecords.
"Misuseordiversionofthefinancialandsupportserviceshereinprovidedshallresultinsanctionsagainstthebeneficiaryguiltythereof,
includingtheforfeitureofthelandtransferredtohim/herorlessersanctionsasmaybeprovidedbythePARC,withoutprejudicetocriminal
prosecution."
Section15.ThereshallbeincorporatedafterSection37ofRepublicActNo.6657,asamended,anewsectiontoreadasfollows:
"SEC.37A.EqualSupportServicesforRuralWomen.Supportservicesshallbeextendedequallytowomenandmenagrarianreform
beneficiaries.
"ThePARCshallensurethatthesesupportservices,asprovidedforinthisAct,integratethespecificneedsandwellbeingofwomenfarmer
beneficiariestakingintoaccountthespecificrequirementsoffemalefamilymembersoffarmerbeneficiaries.
"ThePARCshallalsoensurethatruralwomenwillbeabletoparticipateinallcommunityactivities.Tothiseffect,ruralwomenareentitledto
selforganizationinordertoobtainequalaccesstoeconomicopportunitiesandtohaveaccesstoagriculturalcreditandloans,marketing
facilitiesandtechnology,andothersupportservices,andequaltreatmentinlandreformandresettlementschemes.
"TheDARshallestablishandmaintainawomen'sdesk,whichwillbeprimarilyresponsibleforformulatingandimplementingprogramsand
activitiesrelatedtotheprotectionandpromotionofwomen'srights,aswellasprovidinganavenuewherewomencanregistertheircomplaints
andgrievancesprincipallyrelatedtotheirruralactivities."
Section16.Section38ofRepublicActNo.6657,asamended,isherebyfurtheramendedtoreadasfollows:

"SEC.38.SupportServicesforLandowners.ThePARC,withtheassistanceofsuchothergovernmentagenciesandinstrumentalitiesasit
maydirect,shallprovidelandownersaffectedbytheCARPandprioragrarianreformprogramswiththefollowingservices:
"(a)Investmentinformation,financialandcounselingassistance,particularlyinvestmentinformationongovernmentownedand/or
controlledcorporationsanddisposableassetsofthegovernmentinpursuitofnationalindustrializationandeconomicindependence:
"(b)Facilities,programsandschemesfortheconversionorexchangeofbondsissuedforpaymentofthelandsacquiredwithstocks
andbondsissuedbytheNationalGovernment,theBSPandothergovernmentinstitutionsandinstrumentalities;
"(c)Marketingofagrarianreformbonds,aswellaspromotingthemarketabilityofsaidbondsintraditionalandnontraditional
financialmarketsandstockexchanges:and/or
"(d)Otherservicesdesignedtoutilizeproductivelytheproceedsofthesaleofsuchlandsforruralindustrialization.
"Alandownerwhoinvestsinruralbasedindustriesshallbeentitledtotheincentivesgrantedtoaregisteredenterpriseengagedinapioneeror
preferredareaofinvestmentasprovidedforintheOmnibusInvestmentCodeof1987,ortosuchotherincentivesasthePARC,theLBP,or
othergovernmentfinancialinstitutionsshallprovide.
"TheLBPshallredeemalandowner'sagrarianreformbondsatfacevalueasanincentive:Provided,Thatatleastfiftypercent(50%)ofthe
proceedsthereofshallbeinvestedinaBoardofInvestments(BOI)registeredcompanyorinanyagribusinessoragroindustrialenterprisein
theregionwheretheCARPcoveredlandholdingislocated.Anadditionalincentiveoftwopercent(2%)incashshallbepaidtoalandowner
whomaintainshis/herenterpriseasagoingconcernforfive(5)yearsorkeepshis/herinvestmentsinaBOIregisteredfirmforthesame
period:Provided,further,Thattherightsoftheagrarianreformbeneficiariesarenot,inanyway,prejudicedorimpairedthereby.
"TheDAR,theLBPandtheDepartmentofTradeandIndustryshalljointlyformulatetheprogramtocarryouttheseprovisionsunderthe
supervisionofthePARC:Provided,Thatinnocaseshallthelandowners'sex,economic,religious,social,culturalandpoliticalattributes
excludethemfromaccessingthesesupportservices."
Section17.Section41ofRepublicActNo.6657,asamended,isherebyfurtheramendedtoreadasfollows:
"SEC.41.ThePresidentialAgrarianReformCouncil.ThePresidentialAgrarianReformCouncil(PARC)shallbecomposedofthePresident
ofthePhilippinesasChairperson,theSecretaryofAgrarianReformasViceChairpersonandthefollowingasmembers:Secretariesofthe
DepartmentsofAgriculture;EnvironmentandNaturalResources;BudgetandManagement;InteriorandLocalGovernment;PublicWorksand
Highways;TradeandIndustry;Finance;andLaborandEmployment;DirectorGeneraloftheNationalEconomicandDevelopmentAuthority;

President,LandBankofthePhilippines;Administrator,NationalIrrigationAdministration;Administrator,LandRegistrationAuthority;and
six(6)representativesofaffectedlandownerstorepresentLuzon,VisayasandMindanao;six(6)representativesofagrarianreform
beneficiaries,two(2)eachfromLuzon,VisayasandMindanao:Provided,Thatatleastone(1)ofthemshallbefromtheindigenouspeoples:
Provided,further,Thatatleastone(1)ofthemshallcomefromadulyrecognizednationalorganizationofruralwomenoranational
organizationofagrarianreformbeneficiarieswithasubstantialnumberofwomenmembers:Provided,finally,Thatatleasttwentypercent
(20%)ofthemembersofthePARCshallbewomenbutinnocaseshalltheybelessthantwo(Z)."
Section18.Section50ofRepublicActNo.6657,asamended,isherebyfurtheramendedtoreadasfollows:
"SEC.50.QuasiJudicialPowersoftheDAR.TheDARisherebyvestedwithprimaryjurisdictiontodetermineandadjudicateagrarian
reformmattersandshallhaveexclusiveoriginaljurisdictionoverallmattersinvolvingtheimplementationofagrarianreform,exceptthose
fallingundertheexclusivejurisdictionoftheDepartmentofAgriculture(DA)andtheDENR.
"Itshallnotbeboundbytechnicalrulesofprocedureandevidencebutshallproceedtohearanddecideallcases,disputesorcontroversiesina
mostexpeditiousmanner,employingallreasonablemeanstoascertainthefactsofeverycaseinaccordancewithjusticeandequityandthe
meritsofthecase.Towardthisend,itshalladoptauniformruleofproceduretoachieveajust,expeditiousandinexpensivedeterminationof
everyactionorproceedingbeforeit.
"Itshallhavethepowertosummonwitnesses,administeroaths,taketestimony,requiresubmissionofreports,compeltheproductionofbooks
anddocumentsandanswerstointerrogatoriesandissuesubpoena,andsubpoenaducestecumandtoenforceitswritsthroughsheriffsorother
dulydeputizedofficers.Itshalllikewisehavethepowertopunishdirectandindirectcontemptsinthesamemannerandsubjecttothesame
penaltiesasprovidedintheRulesofCourt.
"Responsiblefarmerleadersshallbeallowedtorepresentthemselves,theirfellowfarmers,ortheirorganizationsinanyproceedingsbeforethe
DARProvided,however,Thatwhentherearetwoormorerepresentativesforanyindividualorgroup,therepresentativesshouldchooseonly
oneamongthemselvestorepresentsuchpartyorgroupbeforeanyDABproceedings.
"NotwithstandinganappealtotheCourtofAppeals,thedecisionoftheDARshallbeimmediatelyexecutoryexceptadecisionoraportion
thereofinvolvingsolelytheissueofjustcompensation."
Section19.Section50ofRepublicActNo.6657,asamended,isherebyfurtheramendedbyaddingSection50Atoreadasfollows:
"SEC.50A.ExclusiveJurisdictiononAgrarianDispute.Nocourtorprosecutor'sofficeshalltakecognizanceofcasespertainingtothe
implementationoftheCARPexceptthoseprovidedunderSection57ofRepublicActNo.6657,asamended.Ifthereisanallegationfromany

ofthepartiesthatthecaseisagrarianinnatureandoneofthepartiesisafarmer,farmworker,ortenant,thecaseshallbeautomaticallyreferred
bythejudgeortheprosecutortotheDARwhichshalldetermineandcertifywithinfifteen(15)daysfromreferralwhetheranagrariandispute
exists:Provided,ThatfromthedeterminationoftheDAR,anaggrievedpartyshallhavejudicialrecourse.Incasesreferredbythemunicipal
trialcourtandtheprosecutor'soffice,theappealshallbewiththeproperregionaltrialcourt,andincasesreferredbytheregionaltrialcourt,the
appealshallbetotheCourtofAppeals.
"Incaseswhereregularcourtsorquasijudicialbodieshavecompetentjurisdiction,agrarianreformbeneficiariesoridentifiedbeneficiaries
and/ortheirassociationsshallhavelegalstandingandinteresttointerveneconcerningtheirindividualorcollectiverightsand/orinterestsunder
theCARP.
"ThefactofnonregistrationofsuchassociationswiththeSecuritiesandExchangeCommission,orCooperativeDevelopmentAuthority,or
anyconcernedgovernmentagencyshallnotbeusedagainstthemtodenytheexistenceoftheirlegalstandingandinterestinacasefiledbefore
suchcourtsandquasijudicialbodies."
Section20.Section55ofRepublicActNo.6657,asamended,isherebyfurtheramendedtoreadasfollows:
"SEC.55.NoRestrainingOrderorPreliminaryInjunction.ExceptfortheSupremeCourt,nocourtinthePhilippinesshallhavejurisdiction
toissueanyrestrainingorderorwritofpreliminaryinjunctionagainstthePARC,theDAR,oranyofitsdulyauthorizedordesignatedagencies
inanycase,disputeorcontroversyarisingfrom,necessaryto,orinconnectionwiththeapplication,implementation,enforcement,or
interpretationofthisActandotherpertinentlawsonagrarianreform."
Section21.Section63ofRepublicActNo.6657,asamended,isherebyfurtheramendedtoreadasfollows:
"SEC.63.FundingSource.TheamountneededtofurtherimplementtheCARPasprovidedinthisAct,untilJune30,2014,uponexpiration
offundingunderRepublicActNo.8532andotherpertinentlaws,shallbefundedfromtheAgrarianReformFundandotherfundingsourcesin
theamountofatleastOnehundredfiftybillionpesos(P150,000,000,000.00).
"AdditionalamountsareherebyauthorizedtobeappropriatedasandwhenneededtoaugmenttheAgrarianReformFundinordertofully
implementtheprovisionsofthisActduringthefive(5)yearextensionperiod.
"Sourcesoffundingorappropriationsshallincludethefollowing:
"(a)ProceedsofthesalesofthePrivatizationandManagementOffice(PMO);

"e)AllreceiptsfromassetsrecoveredandfromsalesofillgottenwealthrecoveredthroughthePCGGexcludingtheamount
appropriatedforcompensationtovictimsofhumanrightsviolationsundertheapplicablelaw;
"(c)ProceedsofthedispositionanddevelopmentofthepropertiesoftheGovernmentinforeigncountries,forthespecificpurposesof
financingproductioncredits,infrastructureandothersupportservicesrequiredbythisAct;
"(d)Allincomeand,collectionsofwhateverformandnaturearisingfromtheagrarianreformoperations,projectsandprogramsofthe
DARandotherCARPimplementingagencies;
"(e)PortionofamountsaccruingtothePhilippinesfromallsourcesofofficialforeign.aidgrantsandconcessionalfinancingfromall
countries,tobeusedforthespecificpurposesoffinancingproductions,credits,infrastructures,andothersupportservicesrequiredby
thisAct:
"(f)YearlyappropriationsofnolessthanFivebillionpesos(P5,000,000,000.00)fromtheGeneralAppropriationsAct;
"(g)Gratuitousfinancialassistancefromlegitimatesources;and
"(h)Othergovernmentfundsnototherwiseappropriated.
"AllfundsappropriatedtoimplementtheprovisionsofthisActshallbeconsideredcontinuingappropriationsduringtheperiodofits
implementation:Provided,Thatiftheneedarises,specificamountsforbondredemptions,interestpaymentsandotherexistingobligations
arisingfromtheimplementationoftheprogramshallbeincludedintheannualGeneralAppropriationsAct:Provided,further,Thatalljust
compensationpaymentstolandowners,includingexecutionofjudgmentstherefore,shallonlybesourcedfromtheAgrarianReformFund:
Provided,however,Thatjustcompensationpaymentsthatcannotbecoveredwithintheapprovedannualbudgetoftheprogramshallbe
chargeableagainstthedebtserviceprogramofthenationalgovernment,oranyunprogrammeditemintheGeneralAppropriationsAct:
Provided,finally,ThatafterthecompletionofthelandacquisitionanddistributioncomponentoftheCARP,theyearlyappropriationshallbe
allocatedfullytosupportservices,agrarianjusticedeliveryandoperationalrequirementsoftheDARandtheotherCARPimplementing
agencies."
Section22.Section65ofRepublicActNo.6657,asamended,isherebyfurtheramendedtoreadasfollows:
"SEC.65.ConversionofLands.Afterthelapseoffive(5)yearsfromitsaward,whenthelandceasestobeeconomicallyfeasibleandsound
foragriculturalpurposes,orthelocalityhasbecomeurbanizedandthelandwillhaveagreatereconomicvalueforresidential,commercialor
industrialpurposes,theDAR,uponapplicationofthebeneficiaryorthelandownerwithrespectonlytohis/herretainedareawhichistenanted,

withduenoticetotheaffectedparties,andsubjecttoexistinglaws,mayauthorizethereclassificationorconversionofthelandandits
disposition:Provided,Thatiftheapplicantisabeneficiaryunderagrarianlawsandthelandsoughttobeconvertedisthelandawardedto
him/heroranyportionthereof,theapplicant,aftertheconversionisgranted,shallinvestatleasttenpercent(10%)oftheproceedscomingfrom
theconversioningovernmentsecurities:Provided,further,Thattheapplicantuponconversionshallfullypaythepriceoftheland:Provided,
furthermore,Thatirrigatedandirrigablelands,shallnotbesubjecttoconversion:Provided,finally,ThattheNationalIrrigationAdministration
shallsubmitaconsolidateddataonthelocationnationwideofallirrigablelandswithinone(1)yearfromtheeffectivityofthisAct.
"Failuretoimplementtheconversionplanwithinfive(5)yearsfromtheapprovalofsuchconversionplanoranyviolationoftheconditionsof
theconversionorderduetothefaultoftheapplicantshallcausethelandtoautomaticallybecoveredbyCARP."
Section23.Section68ofRepublicActNo.6657,asamended,isherebyfurtheramendedtoreadasfollows:
"SEC.68.ImmunityofGovernmentAgenciesfromUndueInterference.Incasesfallingwithintheirjurisdiction,noinjunction,restraining
order,prohibitionormandamusshallbeissuedbytheregionaltrialcourts,municipaltrialcourts,municipalcircuittrialcourts,and
metropolitantrialcourtsagainsttheDAR,theDA,theDENR,andtheDepartmentofJusticeintheirimplementationoftheprogram."
Section24.Section73ofRepublicActNo.6657,asamended,isherebyfurtheramendedtoreadasfollows:
"SEC.73.ProhibitedActsandOmissions.Thefollowingareprohibited:
"(a)Theownershiporpossession,forthepurposeofcircumventingtheprovisionsofthisAct,ofagriculturallandsinexcessofthe
totalretentionlimitsorawardceilingsbyanyperson,naturalorjuridical,exceptthoseundercollectiveownershipbyfarmer
beneficiaries;
"(b)TheforcibleentryorillegaldetainerbypersonswhoarenotqualifiedbeneficiariesunderthisActtoavailthemselvesoftherights
andbenefitsoftheAgrarianReformProgram:
"(c)Anyconversionby,anylandownerofhis/heragricultural'landintoanynonagriculturalusewithintenttoavoidtheapplication
ofthisActtohis/herlandholdingsandtodispossesshis/herbonafidetenantfarmers:
"(d)Themaliciousandwillfulpreventionorobstructionbyanyperson,associationorentityoftheimplementationoftheCARP;
"(e)Thesale,transfer,conveyanceorchangeofthenatureoflandsoutsideofurbancentersandcitylimitseitherinwholeorinpart
aftertheeffectivityofthisAct,exceptafterfinalcompletionoftheappropriateconversionunderSection65ofRepublicActNo.

6657,asamended.ThedateoftheregistrationofthedeedofconveyanceintheRegisterofDeedswithrespecttotitledlandsandthe
dateoftheissuanceofthetaxdeclarationtothetransfereeofthepropertywithrespecttounregisteredlands,asthecasemaybe,shall
beconclusiveforthepurposeofthisAct;
"(f)Thesale,transferorconveyancebyabeneficiaryoftherighttouseoranyotherusufructuaryrightoverthelandhe/sheacquired
byvirtueofbeingabeneficiary,inordertocircumventtheprovisionsofthisAct;
"(g)Theunjustified,willful,andmaliciousactbyaresponsibleofficerorofficersofthegovernmentthroughthefollowing:
"(1)Thedenialofnoticeand/orreplytolandowners;
"(2)Thedeprivationofretentionrights;
"(3)Theundueorinordinatedelayinthepreparationofclaimfolders;or
"(4)Anyunduedelay,refusalorfailureinthepaymentofjustcompensation;
"(h)TheunduedelayorunjustifiedfailureoftheDAR,theLBP,thePARC,thePARCCOM,andanyconcernedgovernmentagency
oranygovernmentofficialoremployeetosubmittherequiredreport,dataand/orotherofficialdocumentinvolvingthe
implementationoftheprovisionsofthisAct,asrequiredbythepartiesorthegovernment,includingtheHouseofRepresentativesand
theSenateofthePhilippinesaswellastheirrespectivecommittees,andthecongressionaloversightcommitteecreatedherein;
"(i)Theunduedelayinthecompliancewiththeobligationtocertifyorattestand/orfalsificationofthecertificationorattestationas
requiredunderSection7ofRepublicActNo.6657,asamended;and
"(j)AnyotherculpableneglectorwillfulviolationsoftheprovisionsofthisAct.
"Inthecaseofgovernmentofficialsandemployees,aconvictionunderthisActiswithoutprejudicetoanycivilcaseand/orappropriate
administrativeproceedingsundercivilservicelaw,rulesandregulations."AnypersonconvictedunderthisActshallnotbeentitledtoany
benefitprovidedforinanyagrarianreformlaworprogram."
Section25.Section74ofRepublicActNo.6657,asamended,isherebyfurtheramendedtoreadasfollows:

"SEC.74.Penalties.AnypersonwhoknowinglyorwillfullyviolatestheprovisionsofthisActshallbepunishedbyimprisonmentofnotless
thanone(1)monthtonotmorethanthree(3)yearsorafineofnotlessthanOnethousandpesos(P1,000.00)andnotmorethanFifteen
thousandpesos(P15,000.00),orboth,atthediscretionofthecourt:Provided,Thatthefollowingcorrespondingpenaltiesshallbeimposedfor
thespecificviolationshereunder:
"(a)Imprisonmentofthree(3)yearsandone(1)daytosix(6)yearsorafineofnotlessthanFiftythousandpesos(P50,000.00)and
notmorethanOnehundredfiftythousandpesos(P150,000.00),orboth,atthediscretionofthecourtuponanypersonwhoviolates
Section73,subparagraphs(a),(b),(f),(g),and(h)ofRepublicActNo.6657,asamended;and
"(b)Imprisonmentofsix(6)yearsandone(1)daytotwelve(12)yearsorafineofnotlessthanTwohundredthousandpesos
(P200,000.00)andnotmorethanOnemillionpesos(P1,000,000.00),orboth,atthediscretionofthecourtuponanypersonwho
violatesSection73,subparagraphs(c),(d),(e),and(i)ofRepublicActNo.6657,asamended.
"Iftheoffenderisacorporationorassociation,theofficerresponsiblethereforshallbecriminallyliable."
Section26.CongressionalOversightCommittee.ACongressionalOversightCommitteeonAgrarianReform(COCAR)isherebycreatedtooverseeand
monitortheimplementationofthisAct.ItshallbecomposedoftheChairpersonsoftheCommitteeonAgrarianReformofbothHousesofCongress,three(3)
MembersoftheHouseofRepresentatives,andthree(3)MembersoftheSenateofthePhilippines,tobedesignatedrespectivelybytheSpeakeroftheHouseof
RepresentativesandthePresidentoftheSenateofthePhilippines.
TheChairpersonsoftheCommitteesonAgrarianReformoftheHouseofRepresentativesandoftheSenateofthePhilippinesshallbetheChairpersonsofthe
COCAR.TheMembersshallreceivenocompensation;however,travelingandothernecessaryexpensesshallbeallowed.
InordertocarryouttheobjectivesofthisAct,theCOCARshallbeprovidedwiththenecessaryappropriationsforitsoperation.AninitialamountofTwenty
fivemillionpesos(P25,000,000.00)isherebyappropriatedfortheCOCARforthefirstyearofitsoperationandthesameamountshallbeappropriatedevery
yearthereafter.
ThetermoftheCOCARshallendsix(6)monthsaftertheexpirationoftheextendedperiodoffive(5)years.
Section27.PowersandFunctionsoftheCOCAR.TheCOCARshallhavethefollowingpowersandfunctions:
(a)Prescribeandadoptguidelineswhichshallgovernitswork;
(b)Holdhearingsandconsultations,receivetestimoniesandreportspertinenttoitsspecifiedconcerns;

(c)Securefromanydepartment,bureau,officeorinstrumentalityofthegovernmentsuchassistanceasmaybeneeded,includingtechnical
information,preparationandproductionofreportsandsubmissionofrecommendationsorplansasitmayrequire,particularlyayearlyreport
oftherecordorperformanceofeachagrarianreformbeneficiaryasprovidedunderSection22ofRepublicActNo.6657,asamended;
(d)SecurefromtheDARortheLBPinformationontheamountofjustcompensationdeterminedtobepaidorwhichhasbeenpaidtoany
landowner;
(e)SecurefromtheDARortheLBPquarterlyreportsonthedisbursementoffundsfortheagrarianreformprogram;
(f)Overseeandmonitor,insuchamannerasitmaydeemnecessary,theactualimplementationoftheprogramandprojectsbytheDAR;
(g)Summonbysubpoenaanypublicorprivatecitizentotestifybeforeit,orrequirebysubpoenaducestecumtoproducebeforeitsuch
records,reports,orotherdocumentsasmaybenecessaryintheperformanceofitsfunctions;
(h)Engagetheservicesofresourcepersonsfromthepublicandprivatesectorsaswellascivilsocietyincludingthevariousagrarianreform
groupsororganizationsinthedifferentregionsofthecountryasmaybeneeded;
(i)ApprovethebudgetfortheworkoftheCommitteeandalldisbursementstherefrom,includingcompensationofallpersonnel;
(j)Organizeitsstaffandhireandappointsuchemployeesandpersonnelwhethertemporary,contractualoronconstancysubjecttoapplicable
rules;and
(k)Exerciseallthepowersnecessaryandincidentaltoattainthepurposesforwhichitiscreated.
Section28.PeriodicReports.TheCOCARshallsubmittotheSpeakeroftheHouseofRepresentativesandtothePresidentoftheSenateofthePhilippines
periodicreportsonitsfindingsandrecommendationsonactionstobeundertakenbybothHousesofCongress,theDAR,andthePARC.
Section29.AccesstoInformation.NotwithstandingtheprovisionsofRepublicActNo.1405andotherpertinentlaws,informationontheamountofjust
compensationpaidtoanylandownerunderRepublicActNo.6657,asamended,andotheragrarianreformlawsshallbedeemedpublicinformation.
Section30.ResolutionofCase.Anycaseand/orproceedinginvolvingtheimplementationoftheprovisionsofRepublicActNo.6657,asamended,whichmay
remainpendingonJune30,2014shallbeallowedtoproceedtoitsfinalityandbeexecutedevenbeyondsuchdate.

Section31.ImplementingRulesandRegulations.ThePARCandtheDARshallprovidethenecessaryimplementingrulesandregulationswithinthirty(30)
daysupontheapprovalofthisAct.SuchrulesandregulationsshalltakeeffectonJuly1,2009anditshallbepublishedinatleasttwo(2)newspapersofgeneral
circulation.
Section32.RepealingClause.Section53ofRepublicActNo.3844,otherwiseknownastheAgriculturalLandReformCode,isherebyrepealedandallother
laws,decrees,executiveorders,issuances,rulesandregulations,orpartsthereofinconsistentwiththisActareherebylikewiserepealedoramendedaccordingly.
Section33.SeparabilityClause.If,foranyreason,anysectionorprovisionofthisActisdeclaredunconstitutionalorinvalid,theothersectionsorprovisions
notaffectedtherebyshallremaininfullforceandeffect.
Section34.EffectivityClause.ThisActshalltakeeffectonJuly1,2009anditshallbepublishedinatleasttwo(2)newspapersofgeneralcirculation.
Approved,

(Sgd.)PROSPEROC.NOGRALES
SpeakeroftheHouseofRepresentatives

(Sgd.)JUANPONCEENRILE
PresidentoftheSenate

ThisActwhichisaconsolidationofSenateBillNo.2666and,HouseBillNo.4077wasfinallypassedbytheSenateandtheHouseofRepresentativeson
August3,2009andJuly29,2009,respectively.

(Sgd.)MARILYNB.BARUAYAP
SecretaryGeneral
HouseofRepresenatives

(Sgd.)EMMALIRIOREYES
SecretaryofSenate

Approved:August7,2009
(Sgd.)GLORIAMACAPAGALARROYO
PresidentofthePhilippines

TheLawphilProjectArellanoLawFoundation