In the interest of the service and in order to further improve the implementation of RA 10023, Section 3 of DENR Administrative Order No. 12 Series of 2010 shall be read as follows:

œSec. 3. Qualifications. - Applicants for the issuance of a residential free patent shall possess the following qualifications, namely:

3.1 Filipino citizenship, as defined in subsection 2.1. In case of doubt, the CENRO or the land investigator concerned may ask for proof of citizenship such as, but not limited to, a copy of the birth certificate, passport, decree or order of naturalization, or certificate of dual citizenship.

3.2 Actual occupation, actual residence and continuous possession and occupation of the parcel subject of the application, either by herself or himself or through her or his predecessor-in-interest, under a bona fide claim of acquisition of ownership, for at least ten (10) years prior to the filing of the application.

There shall be no age requirement for applicants as long as minor applicants, aged below eighteen (18)years old, are duly represented by their legal guardians. The heirs of a deceased applicant may substitute the applicant provided that they themselves possess the required qualifications. Only one application shall be allowed per applicant. 

This order shall take effect immediately.

(SGD.) RAMON J.P. PAJE
  Acting Secretary