Pimentel seeks probe into fake land titles scams

Senator Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III, chairman of the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights, seeks a probe into the reported proliferation of fake land titles in many parts of the country, specifically in General Santos City.

In filing Senate Resolution No. 856, Pimentel has asked the appropriate Senate committees to conduct the investigation to recommend feasible solutions to end the nefarious activity and thereby alleviate the plight of innocent victims.

He noted that some 6,000 fake land titles are reportedly in circulation in General Santos City alone, a malpractice that has been going on for decades to undermine the very rationale of certificates of land title under the Torrens System of land registration.

Pimentel said the widespread proliferation of fake land titles is indicative that land registration syndicates are operating in many parts of the country. "This phenomenon in General Santos City of the proliferation of fake land titles could not have been made possible without the sanction of Courts that breathe life into spurious or inexistent titles," he said.

"Sad to say, some personnel of the Registrar of Deeds, and of the Courts in the area may have to be summoned or invited to shed light on the reported widespread circulation of fake titles in General Santos, and other places in the country," the senator added.

In maintaining honesty and integrity in public service, Pimentel said the government is mandated to take positive and effective measures against graft and corruption, citing the constitutional provision which states, "no person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law."