Preamble
Whereas controversies have arisen between the Roman Catholic Apostolic Church on the one hand and the association called "The Independent Filipino Church," certain municipalities, and other persons on the other hand, as to the right of administration or possession of numerous churches, convents, cemeteries, and real and personal property used in connection therewith, and as to the ownership thereof and title thereto; and Whereas, if actions involving controversies as to said church property are brought in the Courts of First Instance, great and interminable delay by reason of the great number of properties involved and the fact that the .Courts of First instance are fully occupied with ordinary litigation will result not only hi the disposition of the actions so brought but also in the disposition of the ordinary litigation pending before said courts: and Whereas frequent and angry controversies have arisen and continue to arise in numerous municipalities of the Philippine Islands between contending religious organizations, municipalities, and other persons as to the right to the possession of said properties, often culminating in illegal and forcible seizure thereof and in grave disturbances of the public peace and order, and it is believed to be in the interests of: the Filipino people that such a condition of affairs should no longer continue and that all controversies of this character should be speedily settled in a legal and orderly way; and Whereas there arc several hospitals, haciendas, and other lands, some of which are in the possession of the Government of the Philippine Islands, but as In which the Roman Catholic Apostolic Church claims the right of administration or ownership, and others of which are in the possession of the Roman Catholic Apostolic Church but as to which the right of administration or ownership is claimed by the Government of the Philippine Islands, and it is also of general importance that these controversies should be speedily and finally determined: Now, therefore, By authority of the United States, be it enacted by the Philippine Commission, that: