Manila, Feb. 17 -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has issued new regulations to fast-track residential land titling, making the process fairer for millions of Filipino families living on untitled public land.

In a news release Tuesday, Environment Secretary Raphael Lotilla said the department issued DENR Administrative Order 2025-35, which overhauls the residential free patent system pursuant to Republic Act 10023, or the Residential Free Patent Act of 2010.

The updated rules clarify who qualifies as an "actual occupant," allowing heirs, spouses, returning former Filipinos, and those whose possession was temporarily interrupted by work, marriage, or disasters to apply.

It also imposes a 120-day processing pe...