DENR warns public of land titling fixers

By Jocelyn P. Alvarez

PAGADIAN CITY, Dec. 5 (PIA) - - Environment office here warns the public to shun from land titling fixers or people  who would offer to facilitate the processing and issuance of land titles for a certain amount.

Roservirico Tan, Chief, Information Division, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said that there are reports of some employees of DENR acting as fixers.

“The DENR Management will act accordingly, will penalize and will file appropriate charges against its officials and employees who will be caught or found to be involved in any unlawful transactions such as  fixing,” Tan informed.

Tan also explained, it’s not only the fixers who will be penalized, but the giver of the bribe as well.

“Any individual who will bribe DENR employees will also face criminal charges in addition to the cancellation of fraudulent or fake land titles,” the active information chief clarified.

Tan reminded the public that a minimal of Fifty Pesos ( P50.00) only will be collected for each application for  free patent, residential patent and all other land applications and that payment shall be made after all documentary requirements have been submitted.

Tan however clarified that there are also other (minimal) fees that will have to be paid separately directly to the Local Government Units concerned for other documentary requirements.

“We also advise the applicants to deal directly with private geodetic engineers for the survey of their lands,” he said.

‘We request the people to cooperate with us and report any suspicious or anomalous offer relative to land titling,’ Tan called on the public.

Tan said this undertaking is part of the anti-graft and corruption effort of DENR. (JPA/PIA 9)