Lawmaker pushes life imprisonment for land title forgers

MANILA, Philippines - Pampanga Rep. Aurelio Gonzales Jr. sought yesterday the imposition of the penalty of life imprisonment on land title forgers.

In filing Bill 787, Gonzales said the Torrens system of land titling “is an instrument of social and economic growth and development” but the incidents involving the fabrication of these documents are harming the integrity of the system.

“Rights of ownership over property become incontrovertible once title to property is issued in favor of the registered owner, thus settling conflicts over property and ensuring economic well-being,” he said.

Gonzales said the most recent land titling controversy involves a large area in Quezon City where at least six subdivisions, a seminary, a children’s school, a wedding and events venue, and a construction materials depot are located.

Suspected squatting syndicate leader William Torres is claiming the property on the strength of a reconstituted title issued to him by a Quezon City judge.

However, the Land Registration Authority said the judge ordered the reconstitution of the title despite its objection since the original title presented by Torres was spurious.

The Court of Appeals has stopped the judge from enforcing her order and evicting the occupants of the property.

Among such occupants is Sorsogon Rep. Salvador Escudero III, who said if anyone knocks on his door with an eviction notice, he would call the mental hospital to have his visitor’s head examined.

Gonzales’ bill also covers those who would negotiate, transact, convey or mortgage a fake title, knowing it is fabricated.