A bill that would expedite the acquisition of right of way for various national government infrastructure projects to create jobs and promote development in the countryside has hurdled the House plenary.
Voting 239 against three, House Bill 6571 or “The Right- of-Way Act” was approved on third and final reading on Monday’s session.
The House-approved bill consolidates five related measures authored by Deputy Speakers Aurelio Gonzales Jr. and Ralph Recto; and Reps. Romeo Momo, Salvador Pleyto Sr., and Bernadette Herrera.
The measure aims to avoid delays in the implementation of public works projects like highways, expressways, railways, ports, and other mass transportation systems, according to Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez.
“The timely implementation of these infrastructures will benefit our people, as it will definitely speed up mobility and interconnectivity, which in turn will result in lower transportation costs,” Speaker Romualdez said.
He lamented that acquisition of right of way in private properties has often hampered and delayed the building of roads, bridges, expressways, railways, airports, and similar public facilities.
“Let us put an end to this gridlock. Private ownership should give way to public interest and welfare,” added the Leyte solon.
Gonzales, who introduced the first bill on ROW acquisition, said delay in the timely completion of construction projects “does not only hamper national growth and development but exposes the government to unnecessary expenses that can be avoided.”
The proposed legislation mandates implementing agencies to explore all available modes of resolving ROW issues.
It would allow these agencies to offer current market value or zonal value as determined by the Bureau of Internal Revenue to owners of land affected by right-of-way acquisition, whichever is greater.
Implementers could bear the cost of replacing structures and improvements on the land, such as machinery, and provide appropriate compensation, such as for lost income.
The implementing agency shall pay the landowner 100 percent of the agreed price upon execution of the deed of sale, provided that the title to the property is clear.