1What is the Regalian Doctrine?
The principle that lands of the public domain and specified natural resources belong to the State.
2What are the four constitutional classes of public-domain land?
Agricultural land, forest or timber land, mineral land, and national parks.
3Which constitutional class of public-domain land may become alienable and disposable?
Agricultural land, subject to the applicable legal requirements.
4What does A&D mean?
Alienable and Disposable.
5Does A&D classification automatically mean land is open for disposition?
No. The applicable requirements for opening the land to disposition must also be satisfied.
6Does long-term occupation automatically establish private ownership of public land?
No. The claimant must satisfy the requirements of the applicable law.
7What is the difference between land classification and land cover?
Classification is the legal status of land; land cover describes its physical condition or use.
8What is an example of land cover?
Crops, trees, grass, or buildings.
9What is an example of land classification?
Alienable and disposable land or forest land.
10What does a land-classification map show?
The approved boundaries between land classifications, such as A&D land and forest land.
11Can a survey plan independently convert forest land into A&D land?
No. Classification requires the legally authorized government process.
12Who classifies public lands under Section 6 of CA 141's original statutory framework?
The President, upon the recommendation specified in the statute.
13What does Section 7 of CA 141 address?
The declaration of which A&D public lands are open for disposition or concession.
14What does Section 8 of CA 141 generally require before disposition?
Official delimitation and classification and, when practicable, a survey, along with compliance with other statutory conditions. What exception does Section 8 of CA 141 recognize?