When the original copy of a land title is lost in the Registry of Deeds, property owners must undergo a specific legal process. Fortunately, the law provides a mechanism called the administrative reconstitution of title to address this issue without always needing to go to court.
What is Administrative Reconstitution of Title?
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.
According to Philippine law, the administrative route is an alternative to judicial proceedings, provided that a significant portion of the registry's records were lost due to fire, flood, or other disasters.
When Can You Apply for Reconstitution of Title in the Philippines?
Property owners can initiate this reconstitution of title process when there is clear evidence that the original record at the government office no longer exists.
Key requirements often include:
An accomplished application form for administrative restoration.
The Owner’s Duplicate Certificate of Title.
Certification from reconstitution of title philippines the Register of Deeds regarding the reconstitution of title loss.
Evidence of settled property taxes.
Procedural Flow for Title Restoration
The reconstitution of title procedure for administrative reconstitution of title involves several critical steps.
Submission: Submit your verified petition and supporting documents to the local Registry of Deeds.
Notice: Notice of the petition may be posted or published to ensure there are no adverse claims.
Final Order: The LRA issues the formal directive to reconstitute the lost record.
Registration: The Register of Deeds will then issue the reconstituted title, which will have the reconstitution of title philippines same legal standing as the original.
Why Professional Guidance is Recommended
While the administrative reconstitution of title is designed to be simpler than a court case, it still involves technical legalities.
Errors in the petition or missing documents can lead to delays or denials.
Conclusion
Securing your property rights through the administrative reconstitution of title is a necessary step if your records have been compromised.