PRA issues rules on forfeiture, titling of illegal reclamations

THE Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA) headed by Chairman Atty. Alex Lopez reminded the general public that processing of illegal reclamations either through forfeiture or land titling shall be done only through official PRA channels in accordance with Administrative Order No. 2021-01 (Rules and Procedures for the Forfeiture of the Unauthorized and Illegal Reclamations Through Titling Under the Name of the PRA).

The PRA warned that transactions with individuals soliciting fees to fast track the process of unauthorized and illegal reclamations is strictly prohibited. It added the PRA does not collect fees on field or outside its official payment channels.

“Subject to the review and evaluation of the reclamation project documents and upon the advice of PRA, reclaimers shall pay to the PRA a penalty fee equivalent to ten percent of the value of the land based on zonal value, or assessed value, or fair market value or the property nearest to the reclaimed land, whichever is higher,” the advisory said.

“Along with this, the reclaimer shall also pay a processing fee of ₱2,000 per hectare but not less than ₱1,000,000 plus Value Added Tax (VAT). 

“Reclaimers shall await Official Payment Advise from the PRA before paying the processing fee online via Link.BizPortal of the Land Bank of the Philippines or through the PRA Cashier’s office” the agency added.

Only the PRA Governing Board has the sole authority to approve the titling of completed illegally reclaimed land and endorse the survey plan for approval of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and for issuance of Presidential Proclamation by the President.

For clarification, the PRA could be reached thru:

𝗣𝗥𝗔 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲

Address: Legaspi Towers 200 Building, 107 Paseo de Roxas St, Legaspi Village 1226 Makati City; Contact Number: (02) 8459-5000; Email address: info@pea.gov.ph

𝗣𝗥𝗔 𝗠𝗮𝘀𝗯𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲

Address: 2F Capitol Bldg., J. T. Fernandez Avenue/Capitol Road, Masbate City 5400 Masbate

Contact Number: 09175620201; Email address: mfo@pea.gov.ph

𝗣𝗥𝗔 𝗧𝗮𝗰𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗻 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲; Address: DPWH Equipment Management Division, National Highway, Barangay Pawing, Palo, Leyte; Contact Number:  09062853858; Email address: tfo@pea.gov.ph