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Memory aid for Philippines Law on Land Titles
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CIVIL LAW (LAND TITLES) MEMORY AID
BAR OPERATIONS 2002
CHAPTER 1: BACKGROUND, BASIC CONCEPTS & GENERAL PRINCIPLESLAND TITLE – evidence of the owner’s right or extent of interest, by which he can maintain control and as a rule assert right to exclusive possession and enjoyment of property
DEED – instrument in writing by which any real estate or interest therein is created, alienated, mortgaged or assigned or by which title to any real estate may be affected in law or equity
1. Grantor 4. Description of Property2. Grantee 5. Signature of grantor3. Words of grant 6. Witnesses
TYPES OF ESTATES:1. FREEHOLD ESTATE – indicates title of ownership
a. Fee simple – absolute title; conferred without limitation, qualification or restriction
b. Fee tail – pass title to grantee & his heirsc. Life state – held for duration of life of grantee
2. LESS THAN FREEHOLD ESTATE – a right short of titlea. Estate for years – lease for a period agreed upon, lessor retains ownership of
landb. Tenancy from period to period – lease running from month to month or year to
year with automatic renewalc. Tenancy at will – person is permitted to occupy land of another without
stipulation as to period
3 STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT OF LEGAL SYSTEM OF TRANSFERRING TITLES:1. Production & delivery of deed by grantor to grantee without registration2. Recording of deed of conveyance to bind 3rd persons3. Registration of title
REGISTRATION guarantees the title but RECORDING does not; need to examine other docs
PURPOSE OF REGISTRATION: 1. Serve as constructive notice 2. Prevent fraudulent claims 3. Protect interest of strangers to transaction
MODES OF ACQUIRING LAND TITLES:1. Title by public grant – conveyance of public land by government to a private individual2. Title by acquisitive prescription – open, continuous, exclusive, notorious possession of
a property3. Title by accretion – alluvium 4. Title by reclamation – filling of submerged land by deliberate act and reclaiming title
thereto; government 5. Title by voluntary transfer – private grant; voluntary execution of deed of conveyance6. Title by involuntary alienation – no consent from owner of land; forcible acquisition by
state7. Title by descent or devise – hereditary succession to the estate of deceased owner8. Title by emancipation patent or grant – for purpose of ameliorating sad plight of tenant-
farmers; not transferable except by hereditary succession
Chapter 2: TORRENS SYSTEM – ORIGIN, NATURE & GENERAL CHARACTERISTICSADVANTAGES:
1. Abolishes endless fees2. Eliminates repeated examination of titles3. Reduces records enormously4. Instantly reveals ownership5. Protects against encumbrances not noted on the Torrens certificate6. Makes fraud almost impossible7. It assures.
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CIVIL LAW (LAND TITLES) MEMORY AID
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8. Keeps up the system without adding to burden of taxation; system’s beneficiaries pay the fees
9. Eliminates tax titles10. Gives eternal title as state ensures perpetuity11. Furnishes state title insurance rather than private title insurance12. Makes possible the transfer of titles or loans within hours instead days
PURPOSE OF TORRENS LAW: quiet title to land – once registered, owner might rest secure
PERSONS BOUND WHEN TITLE NOT REGISTERED: 1. Grantor2. Heirs & devisees3. Persons with actual notice
PROCEDURE IN LAND REGISTRATION CASE:1. Survey of land by Bureau of Lands or duly licensed private surveyor2. Filing of application for registration by applicant3. Setting of date of initial hearing of application by RTC4. Clerk of court to transmit to Land Registration Authority (LRA) the application, date of
initial hearing & other pertinent docs5. Publication of notice of filing of application, date & place of hearing – in OG and in
newspaper of general circulation6. Service of notice – contiguous owners, occupants & those who have interest in property7. Filing of answer or opposition to application8. Hearing of case by RTC9. Promulgation of judgment by court10. Issuance of decree by RTC – decision; Instruct LRA to issue decree of confirmation &
registration11. Entry of decree of registration in Land Titles Administration12. Sending of copy of decree to Register of Deeds (ROD)13. Transcription of decree of registration in registration book & issuance of the owner’s
duplicate original certificate of title of the applicant by the LRA - upon payment of prescribed fees
CHAPTER 3: APPLICATION IN ORDINARY REGISTRATION PROCEEDINGSWHO MAY APPLY:
1. Those in open, continuous, exclusive, notorious possession of patrimonial property of state under bona fide claim of ownership since June 12, 1945 or earlier
2. Those who acquired ownership of private land by prescription3. Those who acquired ownership of private lands by right of accretion4. Those who acquired ownership in any manner provided for by law
LIMITATION TO OWNERSHIP OF LAND BY CORPORATION:
1. PRIVATE LANDSa. At least 60% Filipino to acquire private landb. Restricted as to extent reasonably necessary to enable it to carry out purpose
which it was createdc. If engaged in agricultural – restricted to 1,024 ha.
2. PATRIMONIAL PROPERTY OF STATEa. Lease for 25 years renewableb. Limited to 1,000 ha.c. Apply to both Filipinos & foreign cos.
FORM & CONTENTS OF APPLICATION
1. In writing & signed by applicant or person duly authorized2. Description of land3. Citizenship4. Civil status5. Full names & address of occupants & adjoining owners
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WHAT TO ACCOMPANY APPLICATION:1. Tracing cloth plan duly approved by the Director of Lands2. 3 copies of technical descriptions3. 3 copies of surveyor’s certificate4. All original muniments of title5. 4 copies of certificate by city/provincial treasurer of assessed value of land
AMENDMENTS ALLOWED & NOT ALLOWED
1. Substantial change in boundaries or increase in area - new technical description necessary – need new publication & notice
2. Substitution of name of new owner – file motion with court3. Decrease the area – file motion in court
MUNIMENT OF TITLE – instruments or written evidence which applicant hold or posses to enable him to substantiate & prove title to his estate
TRANSACTION TOOK PLACE BEFORE ISSUANCE OF DECREE:1. Record instrument in ROD in same manner as if no application was made2. Present instrument to RTC, motion praying that same be considered in relation to the
pending application
TRANSACTION TOOK PLACE AFTER ISSUANCE OF DECREE: Register directly with ROD for purpose of canceling such title & issuing a TCT
CHAPTER 4: PUBLICATION, ANSWER & DEFAULTNOTICE IN CONSPICUOUS PLACE IN LAND & BULLETIN BOARD OF MUNICIPALITY – 14 days before
hearingHEARING – within 7 days after publication in OG – not less than 45 not more than 90 days from date of order
TO WHOM NOTICE MUST BE SENT:1. City/municipal mayor & provincial governor2. Department of Agrarian Reform, Solicitor General & Director of Lands, Director of
Fisheries, Director of Mines3. Adjoining owners & those who have rights or interest thereto
REQUISITES OF OPPOSITION: 1. Set forth objections to the application2. State interest claimed by oppositor
GENERAL DEFAULT is when no person appears and answers within time prescribed whileSPECIAL DEFAULT is when a party appears at initial hearing without having filed an answer and asks court for time to file answer but failed to do so within period allowed
CHAPTER 5: HEARING & EVIDENCEWHO CONDUCTS HEARING: 1. RTC
2. Refer to Referee - Commissioner
PROCEEDINGS FOR ORDINARY REGISTRATION (LAND REGISTRATION ACT) /PROCEEDING FOR JUDICIAL CONFIRMATION OF IMPERFECT TITLE UNDER THE PUBLIC LAND ACT
There exist a title to be confirmed Land applied for belongs to the state Court may dismiss without prejudice to file new application Dismiss with prejudice Risk to have application denied without losing land Risk involves loss of land
CHAPTER 6: JUDGMENT & DECREEDECREE – issued by LRA containing technical description of land; issued after finality of judgment
1. Decrees dismissing application
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2. Decrees of confirmation and registration Final 1 year after decree, unless there is an innocent purchaser for value Subject only to appeal Once final, cannot be subject to attack and is deemed conclusive against the
world3. Put end to litigation4. Purpose of Torrens system is protected
Amendment after 1 year is allowed - creation or extinguishment of new rights; inclusion of new owners not allowed
JUDGMENT– decision of court constituting its opinion after taking into consideration the evidence submitted
WRIT OF POSSESSION – order to sheriff to deliver the land to the successful party litigant; no prescription
1. Against loser2. Against anyone unlawfully & adversely occupying
WHEN WRIT MAY NOT ISSUE: when party entered into property after issuance of final decree, is not an oppositor in registration proceeding, and is in possession of land for at least 10 years
MEANS TO RECOVER POSSESSION: 1. Forcible entry2. Unlawful detainer3. Accion publiciana4. Accion reindivicatoria
RES JUDICATA:1. Former judgment must be final2. Rendered by court having jurisdiction over subject matter & parties3. Judgment on merits4. Identity of parties, subject matter and causes of action
REMEDIES AVAILABLE TO AGGRIEVED PARTY IN REGISTRATION PROCEEDINGS:1. MOTION FOR NEW TRIAL - must be brought within 15 days from notice of judgment
a. Fraud, accident, mistake, excusable negligence which ordinary prudence could not have guarded
b. Newly discovered evidence which could not be discovered & produced at trialc. Evidence insufficient to justify decision, decision is against the law
2. APPEAL – must be brought 15 days from notice of judgment3. REVIEW OF DECREE OF REGISTRATION – available to party deprived of day in
court; became non-party due to misrepresentation; invoke actual fraud; before expiration of 1 year; specific acts intended to deceive; will no longer prosper if already transferred to innocent purchaser for value
a. Plaintiff is owner of land registered in name of defendantb. Registration procured through actual fraudc. Property has not issued to innocent purchaser for valued. Action is filed within 1 year after issuance of decree of registration
4. RELIEF FROM JUDGMENT – 60 days – 6 months after entry of order; available to party to case, FAME; after judgment; person deprived of right is party to case
5. RECONVEYANCE – action in personam; available so long as property not yet passed to innocent purchaser for value; bad faith or with notice of defect
6. RECOVERY FOR DAMAGES a. Person is wrongfully deprived of his land by registration in name of another –
actual or constructive fraudb. No negligence on his partc. Barred/ precluded from bringing an actiond. Action for compensation has not prescribed
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CHAPTER 7: CERTIFICATE OF TITLETORRENS TITLE – certificate of ownership issued under the Torrens System of registration by the government through road naming & declaring owner in fee simple of property described therein free from all liens except those expressly noted
PROCESS:1. Within 15 days from finality of order of judgment directing registration of title – court to
order LRA to issue decree of registration and certificate of title2. Clerk of court will send order of court & copies of judgment3. Administrator to issue decree of registration & original & duplicate of OCT – signed by
Administrator, entered & file decree of registration in LRA4. Send to ROD – original & duplicate of title & certificate for entry in his registration book5. Enter in record book, dated, signed, numbered & sealed – take effect upon date of
entry6. ROD to send notice to registered owner ready for delivery after payment of fees7. ROD shall send duplicate & note on each certificate of title to whom it is issued8. Original copy to be filed in ROD; bound in consecutive order
ACTION FOR PARTITION, SPLITTING OR CONSOLIDATION OF TITLES:1. Splitting or consolidation – ordinary – ROD level, no court involved2. Subdivision plan – approval of NHA, final approval of LRA, then ROD to issue
memorandum that streets not to be disposed except by way of donation to govt. shall be effected without approval of NHA
ANNOTATIONS AT BACK OF CERTIFICATE – need court order, otherwise null & void
CHAPTER 8: VOLUNTARY DEALINGS WITH REGISTERED LANDOPERATIVE ACT – registration by owner; if deed is not registered, it is binding only between parties
PROCESS OF REGISTRATION:1. File instrument creating or transferring interest and certificate of title with ROD
a. Owner’s duplicate b. Payment of fees & documentary stamp taxc. Evidence of full payment of real estate taxd. Document of transfer – 1 copy additional for city/provincial assessor
2. ROD shall make a memorandum on the certificate of title, signed by him3. Issue TCT
VOLUNTARY DEALINGS : need to present title to record the deed in registry & to make memorandum on title while in INVOLUNTARY DEALINGS: No presentation required; annotation in entry book is sufficient
FORMAL REQUISITES OF A DEED
1. Full name2. Nationality3. Place of residence4. Postal address of grantee or other persons acquiring or claiming interest5. Civil status6. Whether or not corporation
1. ROD to keep an entry book – day book2. Enter in order of reception all deeds & voluntary instruments, write & processes re
land -year, month, day, time, minute of reception of instrument; Registered from time of entry
3. Fees of 5 pesos per document to be paid within 15 days4. Note memorandum & sign & issuance of certificate5. Documents are numbered & indexed & indorsed with reference to certificate of title–
public records6. Subject to reasonable regulation
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Cost borne by vendor
CHAPTER 9: REAL ESTATE MORTGAGEREAL ESTATE MORTGAGE – real property/real rights secures fulfillment of an obligationKINDS:
1. Conventional – agreed upon by parties2. Legal – created by operation of law3. Judicial – results from a judgment4. Equitable – pacto de retro in form but mortgage in essence
ESSENTIAL REQUISITES:1. Constituted to secure fulfillment of principal obligation2. Mortgagor be absolute owner of thing mortgaged3. Person constituting mortgage has free disposal of property
SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS:1. Subject matter is realty2. Real right – attaches to property wherever it is & whoever holds it3. Accessory – presupposes existence of valid principal obligation; cannot stand alone4. Indivisibility – even if debt is divisible; mortgage is not5. Inseparability – mortgage lien is inseparable from property6. Retention of possession - mortgagor retains possession
PACTO DE RETRO – EQUITABLE MORTGAGE
1. Price of sale with right to repurchase is usually inadequate2. Vendor remains in possession as lessee or otherwise3. Upon or after expiration of right to repurchase, another instrument extending period
/granting new period is executed4. Purchaser retains a part of the purchase price5. Vendor binds himself to pay taxes on thing sold6. Real intention of parties is that transaction shall secure payment of debt or fulfillment of
other obligation
Real Mortgage Chattel MortgageSubject matter is real property Subject matter is movablePublic document only May be in private document provided
there is affidavit of good faithRight of redemption for 1 year No right of redemptionDeficiency can be recovered Deficiency cannot be recovered
EXECUTION & REGISTRATION
1. Execution of deed in a form sufficient in law (public instrument)2. Registration with ROD where the land lies & take effect upon registration
a. Present deed of mortgage together with owner’s duplicateb. Payment of feesc. ROD shall enter upon original certificate of title & upon duplicate a
memorandum – date, time of filing, signature, file number assigned to deedd. ROD to note on deed the date & time of filing & reference to volume & page of
registration book in which it was registered3. No duplicate need be issued
SUBJECT MATTER
Real property plus all its accessions unless contrary is stipulated Future property – without legal effect Future improvements – deemed included Fruits & rents of mortgaged property deemed included Continuing credit secured by mortgage valid
FORMS:1. Private document – void & inexistent
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CIVIL LAW (LAND TITLES) MEMORY AID
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2. Public instrument but not recorded – binding between parties but not 3 rd persons without notice
3. Public document & registered – valid & binding to 3rd parties
MAY MORTGAGE BE REGISTERED WITHOUT DUPLICATE TITLE: Yes If being withheld by the owner, ROD notifies by mail within 24 hours to registered
owner:1. Stating that mortgage has been registered2. Requesting that owner’s duplicate be produced so that memorandum be made
thereof Owner refuses to comply within reasonable time; ROD to notify court & court may enter
order requiring owner to produce certificate
SUBSEQUENT DEALINGS IN MORTGAGED PROPERTY
1. May be further alienated – stipulation to contrary is void Assignment must also be registered since registration is operative act to affect
land If not recorded – valid as to parties but not to 3 rd parties, right not protected
against somebody who registers & procures better right2. May be further mortgaged – stipulation to contrary is void
No need to secure permission of mortgagee Understood unless prohibited in contract
3. Pactum commisorium – not alloweda. Property is mortgagedb. There is stipulation for automatic appropriation
4. Discharge Execute public document canceling or releasing mortgaged in form prescribed
by law Present instrument with ROD where land lies together with owner’s duplicate for
registration Memorandum of cancellation is annotated on duplicate & original
WHEN MORTGAGOR DIES
1. Abandon security & prosecute his claim by sharing in general distribution of assets of the estate
2. Foreclose mortgage by making executor party defendant3. Foreclose it in due time
PARTIES IN FORECLOSURE SUIT : all persons claiming interest subordinate in right to mortgageeACTION TO FORECLOSE : Prescribes in 10 years (written contract)VENUE : Per stipulation or in absence thereof, where the property lies
FORECLOSURE
1. JUDICIAL a. Mortgagee to petition in court for foreclosureb. Court to render order for debtor to pay sum due within 90 days and if not paid
from date of service, property be sold at public auctionc. Notice & Publicationd. Public auction: sale to highest biddere. Sheriff to issue certificate confirming judicial foreclosuref. File with ROD final decree of court confirming saleg. Memo entered in certificate of titleh. If right of redemption exist, certificate of title of mortgagor not to be cancelled
but memorandum shall be entered upon the certificate duplicate & originali. After expiry of 1 year redemption period & no redemption, title is consolidated to
new ownerj. Purchaser to be entitled to new certificate of title & memorandum endorsed on
mortgage deedk. If there is redemption, memorandum to be annotated on certificate of title
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CIVIL LAW (LAND TITLES) MEMORY AID
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2. EXTRA-JUDICIAL Allowed only if stipulation between party authorizes extra-judicial foreclosure Cannot be made legally outside of city where land lies Publication required: post notices for 20 days in 3 public places where property
lies & if property is more than P400.00, publication must be for 3 consecutive weeks in news paper of general circulation
If foreclosure by rural banks, exempt from publication in newspaper for loans not exceeding 3,000.00
Registration of sale in ROD:a. Deed of sale must be supported by certificate of sheriff that said sale
was conducted accordingly stating the date, time, place of sale, names of creditor & debtor, description of property, name of highest bidder, selling price
b. Present in ROD where land liesc. Memorandum on back of certificate is maded. After expiration of 1 year of redemption period – title is consolidated if no
redemption exercised: purchaser to file with ROD the deed of sale & sworn statement attesting to fact that there is no redemption
e. New certificate of title issued in favor of vendeef. If redeemed – notice of redemption shall be registered & accomplished
by way of memorandum on proper certificate of title
RIGHT OF REDEMPTION
Payment of purchase price plus 1% per month plus taxes if paid by purchaser To be exercised within 1 year after registration of sale
RIGHT TO DEFICIENCY – allowed
CHAPTER 10: CHATTEL MORTGAGECHATTEL MORTGAGE – personal property is registered with ROD to secure performance of an obligationSUBJECT MATTER : movables DEED OF MORTGAGE : requires only description to enable parties & other persons to identify the subject matter
REGISTRATION OF CHATTEL MORTGAGE
1. Execution of document2. Payment of fees3. ROD enters in DAY BOOK in strict order of their presentation chattel mortgages & other
instruments relating thereto (primary process)4. ROD thereafter enters in a more detailed form the essential contents of the instrument
in the Chattel Mortgage Register (complementary process)
EFFECT OF REGISTRATION:1. Creates a lien – attaches to the property whoever holds it; binding on subsequent
purchasers2. Constructive notice
SALE OF CHATTEL WITHOUT CONSENT OF MORTGAGEE – void; criminal act
EFFECT OF FAILURE TO REGISTER: Valid between parties but void against 3rd persons If instead of registration, it is delivered – it shall be a pledge & not chattel mortgage (if
no chattel mortgage deed executed) Actual knowledge is same effect as registration
AFFIDAVIT OF GOOD FAITH: Statement That – 1. Mortgage is made to secure obligation specified2. Valid & just obligation3. Not entered into for purpose of fraud
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CIVIL LAW (LAND TITLES) MEMORY AID
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EFFECT OF ABSENCE OF AFFIDAVIT OF GOOD FAITH: Vitiates mortgage as against creditors & subsequent encumbrances Valid as between parties No need to be in public document
ASSIGNMENT OF MORTGAGE: No need to be registered, permissive only & not mandatoryCANCELLATION OF CHATTEL MORTGAGE: Mortgagee to execute a discharge of the mortgage in manner provided by law
FORECLOSURE OF MORTGAGE
There must first be non-payment & at least 30 days have elapsed since then Alternatives:
1. Judicial2. Extra-judicial – only if there is stipulation/authority
PROCEDURE IN FORECLOSURE
1. Notice posted for 10 days in at least 2 public places in municipality where property is to be sold designating the time, place and purpose of sale
2. Mortgagor is notified in writing at least 10 days before sale3. Public auction4. 30 days after sale, officer makes a return & file with ROD where mortgage has been
recorded5. Officer’s return operates as a discharge of the lien created by the mortgage6. Proceeds to be applied:
a. Cost of saleb. Amount of obligationc. Subsequent mortgagesd. Balance – mortgagor
RECOVERY OF DEFICIENCY: Allowed
CHAPTER 11: LEASELEASE - one of the parties deliver possession of property to another who is obliged to pay rent for use of such property
REGISTRATION OF LEASE
1. File with ROD the instrument creating lease together with Owner’s Duplicate of certificate of title
2. ROD to register by way of memorandum upon certificate of title3. No new certificate shall be issued
WHEN THERE IS PROHIBITION IN MORTGAGED PROPERTY AS REGARDS SUBSEQUENT CONVEYANCES, ETC.: Leasehold cannot be registered in the title thereof
EFFECT OF REGISTRATION:1. Creates a real right but without prejudice to rights of 3 rd persons2. If not registered – valid as between parties but not to 3 rd persons without notice
REGISTRATION – lessor not required to initiate; lessee shall initiate
ALIENS:1. May be granted temporary rights for residential purposes2. Limit: 25 years, renewable for another 25 years
WHO ELSE MAY REGISTER: Builder in Good Faith
CHAPTER 12: TRUSTS & POWERS OF ATTORNEYTRUST – obligation of a person to whom legal title to property is transferred to hold the property according to confidence reposed in him
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CIVIL LAW (LAND TITLES) MEMORY AID
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2 KINDS:1. Expressed – need to be in writing; cannot be proved by parole evidence2. Implied – exist by operation of law; can be proved by parole evidence
a. Property is bought but paid by another partyb. Donation is made but donee have no beneficial interest thereonc. Price of sale of property is loaned & conveyance is made to lender to secure
fulfillment of loand. Land passes by succession to a person but legal title is put in another’s namee. 2 persons purchase property but placed only in one’s namef. Guardian uses funds of ward to buy propertyg. Property is acquired thru mistake or fraud
POWER OF ATTORNEY – authority granted to a person to dispose one’s property
TRUST DIFFERENTIATED FROM POWER OF ATTORNEY
1. Trust has 3 parties while power of attorney has 2 parties2. Trust is for benefit of 3rd party while power of attorney is for benefit of principal
REGISTRATION OF TRUST
1. Sworn statement claiming interest by reason of an implied trust with description of land & reference to number of certificate shall be registered in ROD
2. Provided not prohibited to do so by instrument creating the trust
APPOINTMENT OF TRUSTEE BY COURT
Certified copy of decree shall be presented to ROD & surrender duplicate certificate Cancel duplicate & new certificate shall be entered by ROD
ACTION FOR RECONVEYANCE BASED ON IMPLIED TRUST
Prescribes in 10 years If acknowledged in written form – becomes express trust – prescribes upon repudiation
CHAPTER 13: INVOLUNTARY DEALINGS WITH REGISTERED LANDINVOLUNTARY DEALINGS – transactions affecting land in which cooperation of registered owner is not needed: it may even be against his will
ATTACHMENT
A writ issued at the institution or during progress of an action commanding the sheriff to attach the property, rights, credits or effects of the defendant to satisfy demands of the plaintiff
Kinds: a. Preliminary b. Garnishment c. Levy on execution
REGISTRATION OF ATTACHMENT/OTHER LIENS
1. Copy of writ in order to preserve any lien, right or attachment upon registered land may be filed with ROD where land lies, containing number of certificate of title of land to be affected or description of land
2. ROD to index attachment in names of both plaintiff & defendant or name of person whom property is held or in whose name stands in the records
3. If duplicate of certificate of title is not presented:a. ROD shall within 36 hours send notice to registered owner by mail stating that
there has been registration & requesting him to produce duplicate so that memorandum be made
b. If owner neglects or refuses – ROD shall report matter to courtc. Court after notice shall enter an order to owner to surrender certificate at time &
place to be named therein4. Although notice of attachment is not noted in duplicate, notation in book of entry of ROD
produces effect of registration already
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EFFECT OF REGISTRATION OF ATTACHMENT:1. Creates real right2. Has priority over execution sale3. But between 2 attachments – one that is earlier in registration is preferred4. If not registered – actual knowledge is same as registration
DUTY OF ROD Basically ministerial but may refuse registration in ff circumstances:
1. Title to land is not in the name of defendant2. No evidence is submitted to show that he has present or possible future interest
in land3. Unless: heir
PROPERTIES EXEMPT FROM EXECUTION: Family Home
ATTACHMENT – How continued, reduced or discharged Any method sufficient in law Document to be registered
1. EXECUTION SALE To enforce a lien of any description on registered land, any execution or affidavit
to enforce such lien shall be filed with ROD where land lies Register in registration book & memorandum upon proper certificate of title as
adverse claim or as an encumbrance To determine preferential rights between 2 liens: priority of registration of
attachment
2. TAX SALE Sale of land for collection of delinquent taxes and penalties due the government In personam (all persons interested shall be notified so that they are given
opportunity to be heard) Notice to be given to delinquent tax payer at last known address Publication of notice must also be made in English, Spanish & local dialect &
posted in a public & conspicuous place in place wherein property is situated & at main entrance of provincial building
Sale cannot affect rights of other lien holders unless given right to defend their rights: due process must be strictly observed
Tax lien superior to attachment No need to register tax lien because it is automatically registered once the tax
accrues But sale of registered land to foreclose a tax lien need to be registered
PROCEDURE OF REGISTRATION OF TAX SALE:1. Officer’s return shall be submitted to ROD together with duplicate title2. Register in registration book 3. Memorandum shall be entered in certificate as an adverse claim or encumbrance4. After period of redemption has expired & no redemption (2 years from registration of
auction sale) cancellation of title & issuance of new one5. Before cancellation, notice shall be sent to registered owner: to surrender title & show
cause why it shall not be cancelled
ACTUAL KNOWLEDGE IS EQUIVALENT TO REGISTRATION OF ADVERSE CLAIM
1. Make a statement in writing setting forth alleged interest, from whom acquired, how acquired, no. of certificate of land, name of registered owner, description of land in which right/interest is claimed – signed & sworn to
2. Statement shall be entitled to registration as adverse claim on certificate of title3. Effective for 30 days from date of registration4. After 30 days, may be cancelled by filing of verified petition by party in interest
Any party may petition in court to cancel adverse claim Court to grant speedy hearing
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If adverse claim is adjudged invalid – may be cancelled5. No 2nd adverse claim based on same ground shall be registered by same claimant
CHAPTER 14: REGISTRATION OF LIS PENDENS PURPOSE: keep subject matter within the power of the court until the entry of final judgment --- therefore creates merely a contingency & not a lien
EFFECT OF REGISTRATION: 1. Impossibility of alienating the property in dispute during the pendency of the suit – may
be alienated but purchaser is subject to final outcome of pending suit2. ROD duty bound to carry over notice of lis pendens on all new titles to be issued
CANCELLATION OF LIS PENDENS: 1. Before final judgment – court may order cancellation after showing that notice is only
for purpose of molesting an adverse party or it is not necessary to protect rights of party who caused it to be registered
2. ROD may also cancel by verified petition of party who caused such registration3. Deemed cancelled when certificate of clerk of court stating manner of disposal of
proceeding is registered
NOTICE OF LIS PENDENS IS AN INVOLUNTARY TRANSACTION
Sufficient that there is entry in day book
OTHER PARTIES WHO NEED TO REGISTER:1. ASSIGNEE IN INVOLUNTARY PROCEEDING FOR INSOLVENCY
Duty of the officer serving notice to file copy of notice to ROD where the property of debtor lies
Assignee elected or appointed by court shall be entitled to entry of new certificate of registered land upon presentment of copy of assignment with bankrupt’s certificate of title (duplicate)
New certificate shall not state that it is entered to him as assignee or trustee in insolvency proceedings
JUDGMENT/ORDER VACATING INSOLVENCY PROCEEDINGS
Order shall also be registered Surrender title issued in name of assignee & debtor shall be entitled to entry of
new certificate
2. GOVERNMENT IN EMINENT DOMAIN Copy of judgment file in ROD which states description of property, certificate
number, interest expropriated, nature of public use Memorandum shall be made or new certificate of title shall be issued
CHAPTER 15: TRANSMISSION BY DESCENT AND DEVISEWHEN OWNER OF PROPERTY DIES – testate or intestate,
Administrator shall file with ROD registration of property in his name to be vested with ownership as trustee so he can sell, etc, convey, etc
Not necessary if already empowered in the will
WHEN JUDICIAL PROCEEDING NOT NECESSARY
Heirs may partition estate immediately & no need to be burdened with cost/expenses of an administrator
1. In absence of debts2. Heirs are all of legal age
PARTITION/SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE
1. JUDICIAL After entry of final judgment of partition, copy certified by clerk of court to be
filed with ROD Each owner to give separate certificate of title (duplicate)
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If ordered to be sold, purchaser shall be entitled to a certificate of title entered in his name upon presentment of order confirming sale
2. EXTRAJUDICIAL a. Decedent died intestateb. No debtsc. Heirs are all of legal age, or minors represented by guardian
Heirs to execute public instrument to be filed with ROD If disagree with each other, file in court ordinary action for partition If there is only 1 heir, may adjudicate to himself entire estate via affidavit
to be filed with ROD If there are movables involved, bond to be filed equivalent to value of
property as certified under oath by parties conditioned upon payment if any just claim which may be filed by creditor within 2 years after distribution
Publication in newspaper of general circulation for 3 weeks; not binding to those without notice
Final after 2 years
ORAL PARTITION, WHEN DEEMED VALID
In provinces when person dies leaving property not covered by Torrens system – to avoid legal expenses, heirs make a list of property, pay off debts & assign to each
Statute of frauds – do not operate because it is not a conveyance but a separation of property and designation of part which belongs to them
WILLS AND LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION
Executor required to file with ROD a certified copy of his letters of administration or the will if there is a will in order that ROD may register upon certificate a memorandum with reference to file no & date of filing
COURT AUTHORITY NEEDED IN ORDER TO SELL
1. May be dispensed with if will empowers him sell2. Without authority first secured, heir may sell subject to result of pending administration
CHAPTER 16: ASSURANCE FUND State creates a fund for the compensation of persons injured by divesting/cutting off of
rights due to the indefensibility of title; following that act of registration is operative act by which State transfers title; created to relieve innocent persons from harshness of doctrine that certificate of title is conclusive evidence of an indefeasible title to land.
Upon entry of certificate in name of owner or TCT, ¼ of 1% shall be paid to ROD based on assessed value of land – as contribution to assurance fund; if no assessment yet, sworn declaration of 2 disinterested persons subject to determination by court.
Money shall be under custody of the National treasurer; invest it until principal plus interest aggregates to 500,000, excess shall be paid to the Assurance Fund; annual report of Treasurer to Secretary of Budget
WHO IS ENTITLED:1. Claimant must be
owner, purchaser or encumbrancer in good faith who suffered actual damage by loss of land; in short – he is deprived of his land or interest therein
2. No negligence attributable to him
3. Claimant is barred from filing action to recover said land
4. Action to recover from assurance fund has not prescribed
LOSS/DAMAGES SHOULD NOT BE DUE TO FOLLOWING REASONS:1. Breach of trust
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2. Mistake in resurvey resulting in expansion of area in certificate of title
LOSS/DAMAGES SHOULD BE DUE TO THE FOLLOWING REASONS:1. Omission, mistake, misfeasance of ROD or clerk of court2. Registration of 3rd persons as owner3. Mistake, omission, misdescription in certificate of title, duplicate or entry in books4. Cancellation
AGAINST WHOM ACTION IS FILED:1. Action due to deprivation of land due to mistake, negligence, omission of ROD, etc –
ROD and National Treasurer as defendants; Sol-Gen must appear2. Private persons involved – should also be impleaded
LIABILITY:1. Satisfy claims from private persons first2. When unsatisfied – secondary liable is the National Treasurer who shall pay thru
assurance fund; thereafter Government shall be subrogated to rights of plaintiff to go against other parties or securities
MEASURE OF DAMAGES: Based on amount not greater than fair market value of land Amount to be recovered not limited to 500,000 which is maintained as standing fund If fund is not sufficient, National Treasurer is authorized to make up for deficiency from
other funds available to Treasury even if not appropriated
WHERE AND WHEN TO FILE ACTION AGAINST ASSURANCE FUND:1. Any court of competent jurisdiction – RTC in city where property lies or resident of
plaintiff2. Action prescribes in 6 years from time plaintiff actually suffered loss3. If plaintiff is minor, insane or imprisoned – has additional 2 years after disability is
removed to file action notwithstanding expiration of regular period
CHAPTER 17: PETITIONS AND MOTIONS AFTER ORIGINAL REGISTRATION1. LOST DUPLICATE CERTIFICATE
Sworn statement that certificate is lost to be filed by person in interest with ROD Petition to court for issuance of new title After notice and hearing – court to order issuance of new title with memorandum
that it is issued in place of lost certificate (duplicate) If false statement: complex crime of estafa thru falsification of public document
2. ADVERSE CLAIM IN REGISTERED LAND Whoever claims a better right or interest in a land adverse to the registered
owner shall make written statement alleging his right, how and when acquired with description of land
Statement to be signed and sworn to Entitled to registration as adverse claim – noted on certificate of title If there is petition – speedy hearing, determine validity of adverse claim May be cancelled without court order; effective only for 30 days After cancellation, no adverse claim on same ground may be registered by
same claimant: Adverse to registered ownerArises after original registrationCannot be registered under the land registration act
To be made on original certificate, to the duplicate is not necessary because no access to latter
Contracts of lease, contract to sell but prescription & money claims not allowed Purpose: measure designed to protect the interest of a person over a property
where registration is not provided for by the land registration act; serve as notice and warning to persons subsequently dealing on said land
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Different with lis pendens: permanent; can only be removed after hearing is done but adverse claim is only for 30 days: lis pendens – notice that property is in litigation; adverse claim; somebody is claiming better right
Recent ruling: adverse claim can only be removed upon court order
3. PETITION SEEKING SURRENDER OF DUPLICATE TITLE In voluntary and involuntary conveyances – when duplicate cannot be
produced, petition in court may be filed to compel surrender of certificate of title duplicate to ROD
After hearing, may order issuance of new certificate and annul the old certificate; new certificate shall contain annotation re annulment of old certificate
4. AMENDMENT AND ALTERATION OF CERTIFICATE OF TITLE A certificate of title cannot be altered, amended except in direct proceeding in
court; summary proceeding Entries in registration books not allowed to be altered except by order of court Grounds:
1. New interest not appearing on the instrument have been created2. Interest have terminated or ceased3. Omission or error was made in entering certificate4. Name of person on certificate has been changed5. Registered owner has married6. Marriage has terminated7. Corporation which owner registered land has dissolved and has not
conveyed the property within 3 years after its dissolution What corrections are permitted in title (which does not include lands included in
original; technical description as long as original decree of registration will not be reopened and rights or interest of persons not impaired; old survey was incorrect; substitution of name of registered owner)
1. Alterations which do not impair rights and 2. Alterations which impair rights – with consent of all parties3. Alterations to correct obvious mistakes
5. RECONSTITUTION OF ORIGINAL CERTIFICATE OF TITLE As consequence of war – records have been destroyed When reconstituted – have same validity as old title Can only be done judicially by filing a petition for reconstitution with RTC To be published in OG for 2 consecutive issues and on main entrance of
municipality at least 30 days before hearing In rem proceedings Court to order reconstitution if it deemed fit; issue order to ROD Lack of essential data fatal
6. TRANSACTION EVIDENCED BY LOST DOCUMENT – HOW REGISTERED ROD forbidden to effect registration of lost or destroyed documents Steps by interested parties:
1. Procure authenticated copy of lost or destroyed instrument2. Secure an order from court
CHAPTER 18: FEES, OFFENSES, PENALTIES In connection with original and subsequent registration of lands – payable to Clerk of
court, ROD, sheriff Full payment of fees prerequisite to registration: at least the entry fee of 5.00, rest of
the fees due payable within next 15 days
OFFENSES:1. Larceny2. Perjury – false statement under oath3. Fraudulent procurement of certificate: fine of not more than 10,000 or imprisonment of
5 years or both in discretion of court
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4. Forgery: fine of not more than 10,000 or imprisonment of 10 years or both in discretion of court
a. Forging of seal in ROD, name, signature or handwriting of any officer of court of ROD
b. Fraudulent stamping or assistance in stampingc. Forging of handwriting, signature of persons authorized to signd. Use of any document which an impression of the seal of the ROD is forged
5. Fraudulent sale: sale of mortgaged property under the misrepresentation that it is not encumbered; deceitful disposition of property as free from encumbrance: imprisonment of 3 years or fine not exceeding 2,00 or both at discretion of court
CHAPTER 19: REGISTRATION OF PUBLIC LANDSPUBLIC LANDS – all lands owned by the government
Inalienable and alienable Inalienable – public domain: timber and miner lands Alienable/ Disposable - public agricultural land
PUBLIC LAND MAY BE ALIENATED, CONVEYED TO PRIVATE PERSON.
PROCEDURE:1. Official issuing instrument of conveyance to issue instrument2. File instrument with ROD 3. Instrument to be entered in books and owner’s duplicate to be issued4. Instrument – only contract between Government and private person and does not take
effect as conveyance if unregistered, it is registration which is operative act of conveying land; evidence of authority for ROD to register
5. Fees to be paid by grantee6. After issuance of certificate of title, land is deemed registered land within the purview of
the Torrens system
NATURE OF TITLE TO PUBLIC LANDS CONVEYED: INDEFEASIBLE AND CONCLUSIVE
In absence of registration, title to public land is not perfected and therefore not indefeasible
In case of 2 titles obtained on same date – one procured through decree of registration is superior than patent issued by director of lands
2 titles procured by one person – one from homestead patent, one from judicial decree & sold to 2 different persons, one who bought it for value and in good faith & one who register first shall have preference
CLASSIFICATION OF LAND OF PUBLIC DOMAIN: Classification is exclusive prerogative of executive & not by judiciary Anyone who applies for confirmation of imperfect title has burden of proof to overcome
the presumption that the land sought to be registered forms part of public domain (Regalian doctrine)
UNDER THE CONSTITUTION:1. Agricultural – only one subject to alienation2. Forest or timber3. Mineral lands4. National park
UNDER THE PUBLIC LAND ACT:1. Alienable/disposable
a. Agriculturalb. Residential, commercial, industrialc. Educational, charitabled. Town sites and for public and quasi-public uses
2. Timber lands - inalienable3. Mineral lands inalienable
If patent or title is issued – void ab initio for lack of jurisdiction
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Not subject to acquisitive prescription; even if in possession for long time, will not ripen into ownership
Except: mineral lands and forest lands acquired before inauguration of Commonwealth in November 15, 1935; vested rights which are protected
FISHPONDS
Before: included in definition of agriculture, conversion of agricultural land to fishponds does not change character of landNow: restricted meaning; fishponds have a distinct category; cannot be alienated but may be leased from government.
DIRECTOR OF LANDS
Quasi-judicial officer Findings of fact conclusive on higher court with absence of fraud, mistake other than
error of judgment; but not with regards to finding of law Empowered to alienate and dispose lands
MODES OF ALIENATING PUBLIC LANDS:1. Homestead settlement2. Sale3. Confirmation of imperfect or incomplete title
a. Judicial legalizationb. Administrative legalization
Lease not included since lease does not transfer ownership; free-title grant: free distribution of public lands to encourage people to cultivate; government furnishes the applicant with tolls plus cash allowance to enable him to cultivate
CONFIRMATION OF IMPERFECT TITLE:1. Last extension granted by Government was until December 31, 19872. Right made available to person qualified to acquire alienable and disposable public
land thru open, continuous, exclusive, notorious (OCEN) possession under bonafide claim of ownership since June 12, 1945.
a. Prior to transfer of sovereignty from Spain to US, have applied for purchase but did not receive title, without default on their part provided they have occupied since their application
b. In OCEN possession since June 12, 1945 or earlierc. Members of cultural minorities in OCEN who has claim of ownership for at least
30 years
MAXIMUM LAND THAT CAN BE APPLIED: 144 hectares In case of foreigner, sufficient that he is already Filipino citizen at the time of his
application Corporation who has less 60% Filipino ownership cannot apply confirmation of
imperfect title; can only lease
PERSONS COMPETENT TO QUESTION LAND GRANT
Persons who obtained title from State or through persons who obtained title from State
PATENT WHEN GOVERNMENT GRANT DEEMED ACQUIRED BY OPERATION OF LAW:
1. Deed of conveyance issued by government patent/grant2. Registered with ROD – mandatory: operative act to convey & transfer title3. Actual physical possession, open & continuous
Land ceased to be part of public domain & now ownership vests to the grantee Any further grant by Government on same land is null & void Upon registration, title is indefeasible
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TITLE ISSUED PURSUANT TO REGISTRATION OF PATENT
1. Indefeasible – when registered, deemed incorporated with Torrens system; 1 year after issuance of patent
2. May not be opened one year after entry by LRA; otherwise, confusion, uncertainty & confusion on government system, of distribution of public lands may arise & this must be avoidedExcept: annullable on ground of fraud, may be reopened even after 1 year because registration does not shield bad faith
Court in exercise of equity jurisdiction may direct reconveyance even without ordering cancellation of title
AIM OF HOMESTEAD PATENT: Benevolent intention of government to distribute disposable agricultural land to
destitute citizens for their home and cultivation As a matter of public policy, may be repurchased even if after 5 years provided not
for profit Right of repurchase not allowed if sold within family & not for cultivating or living but
for speculation purpose
RESTRICTIONS:1. Cannot be alienated within 5 years after approval of application for patent2. Cannot be liable for satisfaction of debt within 5 years after approval of patent
application3. Subject to repurchase of heirs within 5 years after alienation when allowed already4. No corporation, partnership, association may acquire unless solely for commercial,
industrial, educational, religious or charitable purpose or right of way subject to consent of grantee & approval of Secretary of Natural resources
EXCEPTIONS:1. Action for partition because it is not a conveyance2. Alienations or encumbrances made in favor of the government
ERRED HOMESTEADER NOT BARRED BY PARI DELICTO
Pari delicto rule does not apply in void contract Violation of prohibition results in void contract Action to recover does not prescribe
HOMESTEADER
If he dies, succeeded by heirs in the application
LEGAL RESTRICTION IN DISPOSITION BY NON-CHRISTIANS (CULTURAL MINORITIES) Conveyance is valid if able to read and can understand language where deed is written Otherwise, not valid unless approved by Commission on National Integration Safeguard is to protect them against fraud/deceit
CHAPTER 20: CADASTRAL REGISTRATION PROCEEDINGSPURPOSE:
Another means to bring lands under operation of Torrens System Ordinary registration is slow for lack of initiative on part of landowners, innovation was
conceived to hasten and accelerate registration Government initiates that all lands within a stated region are up for registration –
whether or not owners are interested to settle their titles
NATURE OF PROCEEDINGS: In rem No defendant & no plaintiff Compulsory
PROCEDURE:
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1. CADASTRAL SURVEY In opinion of Phil president pursuant to requirement of public interest, title of
land within a specified area needs to be settled and adjudicated Order Director of Lands to make survey and plan Director gives notice to persons claiming interest in lands & to gen public of day
of survey – published in OG and posted in conspicuous place on lands to be surveyed
Geodetic engineers commences survey During survey, boundaries are marked by monuments
2. FILING OF PETITION After survey and plot been made, Director represented by Sol Gen institutes
cadastral proceeding by filing petition in court against holders, claimants, possessors, occupants
Parcel of lots given their cadastral numbers
3. PUBLICATION OF NOTICE OF HEARING Court to order date of hearing LRA to notify public by publishing notice 1x in OG and 1x in newspaper of
general circulation & copy mailed to person whose address is known & other copies posted in conspicuous place designated by law
4. FILING OF ANSWER Any person claiming interest in any part of lands subject to petition is required to
file answer Answer must give the ff details:
a. Age of claimantb. Cadastral number of lot claimedc. Name of barrio or municipality where lot is locatedd. Name of owners of adjoining lotse. If in possession & without grant – no of years in possessionf. If not in possession – state interest claimedg. If assessed of taxation – assessed valueh. Any encumbrances affecting said lots
5. HEARING OF CASE In any convenient place where land lies Like an ordinary RTC trial Conflicting claims are determined Lots claimed are awarded to persons entitles – if they could prove title If none could prove title – land is declared public domain
6. D ECISION Claimants are notified of decision
7. ISSUANCE OF DECREE AND CERTIFICATE OF TITLE Upon order of court, LRA to enter decree of registration Decree made basis for issuance of OCT Decree is now being directly prepared and issued on regulation forms of such
certificate
NATURE OF TITLE COVERED BY 2 ACTS: Title in good faith & for value Errors in plan do not annul decree of registration Cancellation & correction are permitted
LAND ALREADY REGISTERED
Jurisdiction is limited only to correction of technical errors Court cannot issue decree on land already decreed
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Revision of decree allowed when substantial rights are not impaired; what is prohibited is registered land to be registered again in name of another
Jurisdiction subsists to all incidental matters
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CADASTRAL PROCEEDING COMPARED TO ORDINARY REGISTRATIONCADASTRAL ORDINARY
Party Initiating Government Private IndividualSubject Matter Private and Public Private LandsOwnership Government does not assert
ownershipInterested only in settlement of titles
Ownership is Asserted
Survey Government undertakes survey and advances expenses
On account of owner
I In absence of successful claimant, property goes to government
Applicant has another chance to claim is dismissal is without prejudice
WHEN CAN CADASTRAL PROCEEDINGS MAY BE OPENED
10 years up to Dec 31, 1968 Persons claiming title but were unable to file their claim even while in possession are
granted right to petition for reopening of proceedings provided such were not alienated, leased or disposed by government
CADASTRAL COURT DOES NOT AWARD DAMAGES, BUT MAY DIRECT SHERIFF TO DELIVER POSSESSION
Provisions of land registration act applicable to cadastral proceedings
CHAPTER 21: SYSTEM OF REGISTRATION FOR UNREGISTERED LANDS System of registration for unregistered land under the Torrens System (ACT 3344) Before: covers voluntary dealings, now includes involuntary dealings Effect if prospective; binds 3rd persons after registration but yields to better rights of 3 rd
person prior to registration (limited effect to 3rd parties) Reason: no strict investigation involved Subsequent dealings – also valid if recorded ROD keeps day book & a register; index system is also kept Procedure:
1. Presentment of instrument dealing in unregistered land2. If found in order – registered3. If found defective – registration is refused writing his reason for refusal
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