Act No. 1920, enacted on May 19, 1909, prohibits public officials and employees in the Philippines from purchasing real property sold by the government due to nonpayment of public taxes. Any such purchase is deemed null and void. Violators face civil or criminal liabilities and are subject to removal from service, with disqualification from holding public office determined by the Governor-General, which can be temporary or permanent. This act aims to prevent conflicts of interest and ensure integrity in public service.
May 19, 1909
ACT NO. 1920
AN ACT PROHIBITING AND PENALIZING THE PURCHASE FROM THE GOVERNMENT BY ANY PUBLIC OFFICIAL OR EMPLOYEE OF ANY REAL PROPERTY SOLD BY THE GOVERNMENT FOR THE NONPAYMENT OF ANY PUBLIC TAX
SECTION 1. Every public official or employee of the Philippine Islands is hereby prohibited from purchasing, directly or indirectly, from the Government, any real property sold by the Government for the nonpayment of any public tax. Any such purchase by a public official or employee of any such real property shall be null and void.
SECTION 2. Any person violating the provisions of this section, aside from the civil or criminal liability incurred, if any, shall be removed from the service, and the Governor-General shall declare such official or employee disqualified from holding any public office or employment. Such disqualification may be either special or general and either temporary or permanent, as the offense may warrant.
SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on its passage.
Enacted: May 19, 1909