President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. wants changes to the expropriation process.—INQUIRER.net/Ryan Leagogo
President Marcos on Wednesday backed proposals for the government to use an old scheme in addressing right-of-way (ROW) issues and expressed optimism that this would fast-track the completion of major infrastructure projects in the country.
Mr. Marcos said he expressed support for the plan of the Private Sector Advisory Council-Infrastructure Sector Group (PSAC-ISG) for the government to revert to the system of obtaining a writ of possession of properties affected by the project after it has made a 15 percent initial payment.
“That’s very, very timely because we had a briefing on the flagship projects and the delays. They are largely caused by issues on right-of-way,” he said.
“So, now, what we suggest is to bring it back to the old system—a turnover of the property must happen after [the government] has paid 15 percent upfront,” he said.
Any subsequent issues on the valuation of the property may be resolved in court, but this should not stop the project from proceeding, Mr. Marcos said.
During the meeting, PSAC recommended the creation of a dedicated right-of-way (ROW) technical working group (TWG) similar to the interagency committee for ROW for national railway projects involving critical agencies.
Among the key infrastructure flagship projects that are encountering ROW issues are the Cagayan de Oro Diversion Road Extension, the Davao City bypass construction project, the Samal Island-Davao City connector bridge, the Light Rail Transit-1 Cavite extension project, and the EDSA Greenways Project.
READ: DOTr: Only 55% of right-of-way acquired for Metro Manila Subway
The President said the executive branch will draft a bill for the Senate that seeks to adopt the “old scheme” and amend Republic Act No. 10572 or the Right of Way Act.
Reasonable market price
Rogelio Singson, a member of the PSAC-ISG, agreed with the President’s view on reverting to the old system.
“As you said, you just need the deposit and then go to the expropriation, let the courts decide how much will be the eventual cost, but the writ of possession has to be issued,” he said.
“Because, Mr. President, once the writ of possession is issued by the court, then the project can already proceed,” Singson added.
A former DPWH secretary, Singson, told the President that the government has not encountered issues with land valuation as the government has been offering reasonable market prices.