Section 1
SECTION 1. All public lands containing petroleum or other mineral oils and gas, on which no patent at the date this Act takes effect has been issued, are hereby withdrawn from sale and are declared to be free and open to exploration, location and lease by citizens of the Philippine Islands or of the United States and by associations and corporations wholly composed of citizens of the Philippine Islands or of the United States or both: Provided, however, That parties having heretofore filed claims for any lands containing said minerals shall be given preference to lease their respective claims, provided they file a petition to that effect within six months from the date of the approval of this Act.