Fil-Chi group calls for passage of stronger right-of-way law
INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines – The Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) has urged lawmakers to pass a strengthened right-of-way bill, seeing it as a measure that will help unlock stalled infrastructure projects and boost the country’s economic competitiveness.
In a statement, the business group warned that continued inaction on right-of-way reforms poses “nothing less than a national crisis of competitiveness” and cited the country’s failure to keep up with regional peers in infrastructure development.
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“The Philippine Congress must pass a strengthened right-of-way bill without delay,” it said.
The FFCCCII pointed to prolonged project delays caused by right-of-way issues, including the Metro Manila Subway, which is now four years behind schedule.
“We cannot – we must not -allow legal and bureaucratic inertia to strangle our future,” it said, adding that the cost of delays translates to billions in lost productivity and investment opportunities.
The group backed proposed amendments to the right-of-way law, including standardized land valuation based on market rates, assured funding for land acquisition, and structured resettlement plans.
