Right-of-way law seen boosting critical infrastructure projects
MANILA, Philippines — The new right-of-way law that President Marcos signed recently is expected to accelerate the development of infrastructure projects nationwide. These include roads, bridges, energy and water systems and schools.
Frederick Go, Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs, said the Accelerated and Reformed Right-of-Way Act will hasten the delivery of critical projects while ensuring fair compensation and transparency.
“It will enable better access to essential services, boost investor confidence and more importantly, fast-track projects that will deliver safer roads, shorter commutes, reliable electricity, clean water and increased opportunities,” Go said in a statement on Friday.
READ: Marcos signs Accelerated and Reformed Right-of-Way Act
He added that the new law will address delays in infrastructure projects by streamlining the framework for land acquisition. These delays are usually caused by issues surrounding right of way.
“Infrastructure projects are often held back by disputes over property valuation, overlapping claims and fragmented legal processes,” Go said.
Long-standing bottlenecks
President Marcos signed Republic Act No. 10752 or the Arrow Act, which seeks to fast-track the delivery of public infrastructure projects by resolving long-standing right-of-way bottlenecks.
The implementing rules and regulations of the Arrow law is a top priority of the Marcos administration. It will be issued within 60 days by an inter-agency committee. An official copy of the law has yet to be published in the Official Gazette.
READ: Biz groups cheer right of way, foreign lease reforms
This applies to infrastructure projects initiated by the national government, its public service facilities and authorized private entities that are granted the power of eminent domain.
Key sectors, including power transmission and distribution, water supply and wastewater systems, petroleum pipelines, airports and seaports. There are also telecommunications and broadband networks and irrigation projects and other public utility services are covered by the law.
A key provision is allowing priority projects to be built at depths of up to 18 meters below ground. This is aligned with regional standards and paves the way for long-awaited subway systems.
Likewise, it ensures fair compensation for owners of subsurface structures that cannot be avoided. /rwd
