The “Pre-application” Phase
C ENROs receive free patent applications only when supporting documents are complete. Record Officers then assign a unique Application Number to the application. They use this Application Number in creating a record for the application in the PLA LAMS information system (Public Land Application Land Administration Management System). This record, which can’t be deleted, stands as proof that the application has been accepted by the CENRO. CENRO has 120 days to act on the application. When the PENRO receives the CENRO’s endorsement, he has up to five days to approve or disapprove the application. Because DENR managers can view the application’s record, they can monitor its progress. So once an application has been recorded in LAMS, it has a permanent record, it has to be acted upon by CENRO and PENRO officials, it has a prescribed duration for processing, and it’s status can be monitored. This is not the case with the “pre-application phase”. This phas...