Flashcards Studio

On March 3, 2016, X sold Parcel A to Y by private deed; the deed was not registered. On April 20, 2024, the Legislature enacted the Retroactive Property Recognition Act (RPRA), which provides: (i) retroactive effect to all land transfers evidenced by a valid contract of sale and payment of taxes, even if not registered as of its effectivity date; (ii) upon filing an application for registration before the Register of Deeds, the transferee shall be issued an owner's title, subject to existing liens; (iii) this Act shall apply to all pending applications as of the effective date. The Register of Deeds, in 2025, denied Y's application for registration on the ground that the transfer occurred before the Act and was not registered. Y sues for registration.
(a) Identify the controlling doctrine on retroactivity of laws under the Civil Code and state the effect of Article 4 on RPRA.
(b) Decide whether RPRA's retroactivity clauses apply to pending applications and to pre-existing unregistered transfers, and explain any limitations.
(c) Apply to the facts and determine whether Y is entitled to registration under RPRA, stating the reasons and noting any liens or encumbrances that may affect title.