President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has signed Republic Act 12289, or the Accelerated and Reformed Right-of-Way Act, into law.
The measure is designed to fast-track the acquisition of land needed for national government infrastructure projects.
The new law, which amends the 2016 Right-of-Way Act, is one of the Marcos administration’s priority measures aimed at streamlining property acquisition to expedite critical infrastructure development. The Palace confirmed the president’s approval through Press Officer Claire Castro.
Authored by Senator Mark Villar, a former secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the law applies to national government infrastructure projects and public services. It also covers private firms granted eminent domain rights, such as those involved in:
- electricity distribution
- petroleum pipelines
- water and wastewater systems
- Telecommunications
- airports and seaports
- irrigation projects
The law requires implementing agencies to create a Right-of-Way Action Plan before acquiring properties. This plan must include details on affected persons, asset inventory, estimated costs, and proof of stakeholder consultations.
RA 12289 also mandates that property valuations be based on the system established under the Real Property Valuation and Assessment Reform Act, which was signed into law in June 2024.
The legislation is expected to resolve right-of-way issues that have delayed key projects, such as the Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP).
Former Transportation Secretary Vivencio “Vince” Dizon previously stated that due to right-of-way problems, the subway’s partial operation, initially planned for 2028-2029, could be delayed until 2032.
While some issues have been resolved, challenges in areas like Bonifacio Global City and Metrowalk still need to be addressed.
