Dealing with a lost or destroyed original land title can be a daunting task for many Filipinos. To resolve this, the Philippine legal system offers a pathway known as the reconstitution of title, allowing owners to restore their legal documents.
Defining Administrative Reconstitution
Reconstitution refers to the legal restoration of a land title that was lost, burned, or destroyed while in the custody of the Register of Deeds.
This administrative process is generally faster and less expensive than judicial reconstitution, but it is only applicable in specific scenarios defined by the Land Registration Authority (LRA).
When Can You Apply for Reconstitution of Title in the Philippines?
You can file for a reconstitution of title in the Philippines if the original copy kept by the Register of Deeds was lost or destroyed, but you still possess the owner's duplicate copy.
The following documents are essential for a successful application:
A verified petition for reconstitution.
The original owner’s copy administrative reconstitution of title of the TCT or OCT.
Official proof that the title was indeed destroyed in the registry.
Tax reconstitution of title philippines declarations and latest tax clearance.
The Process of Administrative Reconstitution
Navigating the administrative reconstitution of title reconstitution of title requires following a specific government workflow.
Initial Application: administrative reconstitution of title Present your documents to the registrar for initial evaluation.
Review and Publication: The LRA will review the documents and may require publication in a newspaper of general circulation.
Issuance of Order: If the petition is found to be in order, an Order of Reconstitution will be issued.
Issuance: A new original title is created and filed in the registry's archives.
The Importance of Legal Assistance
Even though it is an administrative process, the documentation required can be overwhelming for many.
A single mistake in the filing process can result in the rejection of your application.
Conclusion
Securing your property reconstitution of title rights through the administrative reconstitution of title is a necessary step if your records have been compromised.