Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law and the Agricultural Tenancy Act of the Philippines

Section 52

Duties of the Agricultural Tenancy Commission. It shall be the duty of the Agricultural Tenancy Commission to: 1. Conduct such educational programs as circumstances may require adequately to acquaint tenants and landholders with their rights and responsibilities under this Act. 2. Revise the rental rates provided for in Schedules "A", and "B", whenever such revision is made necessary by changes in values and prices, so that the rental rates shall conform to the standard of fair rental value as defined in Section 5(m). 3. Facilities the preparation and registration of land- holder-tenant contracts through the distribution of appropriate printed forms and instructions to guide the interested parties in drafting and executing rental agreements. The forms of contracts must bear the approval of the court. 4. Conduct surveys and researches to determine the extent of compliance, adaptability to different crops and areas and the fairness of this Act to all parties affected by its implementation. 5. Submit an annual report to the President containing an analysis showing the progress made toward attaining the objectives enumerated in Section two of this Act and recommendations concerning methods of improving the implementation and general effectiveness of this Act. Copies of this report shall be provided to members of the Congress.

Section 53

The Secretary of Justice, acting through a tenancy mediation commission shall carry out a rational enforcement program, which shall include among other things, mediation of tenancy disputes. (as amended)

Section 54

In all cases herein a tenant cannot afford to be represented by counsel, it shall be the duty of the trial attorney of the tenancy mediation commission to represent him, upon proper notification by the party concerned, or the court of competent jurisdiction shall assign or appoint counsel de oficio for the indigent tenant. (as amended)

Section 55

The provisions of existing laws which are not inconsistent herewith shall apply to the contracts governed by this Act as well as to acts or omissions by either party against each other during, and in connection with, their relationship.

Section 56

In the interpretation and enforcement of this Act and other laws as well as of the stipulations between the landholder and the tenant, the courts and administrative officials shall solve all grave doubts in favor of the tenant.

Section 57

Violation of the provisions of subsections one and three, section twenty-seven and of sections thirty-nine and forty-nine of this Act shall be punished by a fine not exceeding two thousand pesos or imprisonment not exceeding one year, or both, in the discretion of the Court. Any person who in bad faith shall induce or cause anybody to violate the aforesaid sections of Republic Act numbered one thousand one hundred ninety-nine shall be punished with a fine not exceeding four thousand pesos or imprisonment not exceeding two years, or both, at the discretion of the court. In case of juridical persons, the manager or the person who has charge of the management or administration of the property or, in their default, the person acting in their stead, shall be liable under this section. (as amended)

Section 58

If for any reason, any section or provision of this Act shall be questioned in any court, and shall be held to be unconstitutional or invalid, no other section or provision of this Act shall be effected thereby.

Section 59

Public Act Numbered Four thousand fifty-four, as amended by Republic Act Numbered Thirty-four, Commonwealth Act Numbered Fifty-three, Commonwealth Act Numbered Four hundred sixty-one as amended by Republic Act Numbered Forty- four, and all laws, rules and regulations inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed.

Section 60

This Act shall take effect upon its approval. Approved: August 30, 1954 Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law and the Agricultural Tenancy Act of the Philippines