June 15, 1948

REPUBLIC ACT NO. 274

AN ACT AUTHORIZING THE DIRECTOR OF LANDS TO SUBDIVIDE THE LANDS WITHIN MILITARY RESERVATIONS BELONGING TO THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES WHICH ARE NO LONGER NEEDED FOR MILITARY PURPOSES, AND TO DISPOSE OF THE SAME BY SALE SUBJECT TO CERTAIN CONDITIONS, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

SECTION 1.  The Director of Lands shall cause the subdivision of lands within military reservations owned by the Republic of the Philippines which may be declared by the President of the Philippines as no longer needed for military purposes.

SECTION 2.  Subject to the approval of the Secretary of Agriculture and Natural Resources, the area of each lot within the subdivisions shall be determined by the Director of Lands according to the nature of the land, the number of prospective applicants, and the purpose for which it will be utilized.

SECTION 3.  All lands so subdivided, except such portion thereof as may be needed for the public service may, with the approval of the President of the Philippines, be sold to persons qualified to acquire agricultural public lands under the provisions of Commonwealth Act Numbered One hundred forty-one, commonly known as "The Public Land Act," and Act Numbered Thirty hundred and thirty-eight of the Philippine Legislature: Provided, however, That in the sale thereof, first priority shall be given to bona fide occupants of such lands and thereafter to war veterans of the past war including members of the USAFFE, recognized guerrillas, and deserving members of unrecognized guerrilla organizations.

SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

Approved: June 15, 1948