Marcos supports old process of addressing right-of-way issues

President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. has expressed support towards the old process of addressing right-of way (ROW) issues as he aims to hasten the completion of major infrastructure projects in the country.

The Presidential Communications Office said that the old process is to secure the writ of possession after making a 15% initial payment for the property affected by the ROW process.

The matter was tackled during a meeting between Marcos and the Private Sector Advisory Council-Infrastructure Sector Group (PSAC-ISG) as well as other concerned agencies in Malacañang Palace as there is a proposed measure seeking to amend the process.

“That’s very, very timely because we had a briefing on the flagship projects and the delays --- talagang malaking delay sa right of way. So, I spoke to the SolGen about it. I spoke to Chiz and to Martin --- the Speaker and the SP and I said there is a bill.  There's a house bill that’s going through the process that wants to amend the right-of-way process,” Marcos said.

“So, now, what we suggest, ibalik niyo na lang sa dati (just go back to the old process). After you pay 15%, turnover na. Now, if you want to argue about valuation whatever it is then go ahead but the project can already begin. So, they’ve (legislators) agreed to that,'' he added.

The President said the executive branch would draft an accompanying bill for the Senate to file when the deliberations resume. He said it would be the basis for the final draft that will come out in Congress.

Marcos said the government is resorting to the old system, saying that the 15% upfront payment before land turnover is reasonable.

Meanwhile, Rogelio Singson, a member of the PSAC-ISG, told Marcos there’s no issue regarding cost as the government is offering market price. He said the problem comes from the actual process.

“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,” Singson said.

“Because Mr. President, once the writ of possession is issued by the court, then the project can already proceed,'' he added.

Earlier, Marcos directed the creation of an Inter-Agency Committee for Right-of Way (ROW) Activities for National Railway Projects, which aims to streamline the process of land acquisition for all the railway projects across the country.

To recall, it was in February 2023 when the House of Representatives approved on third and final reading a bill expediting right-of-way (ROW) acquisition and implementation on infrastructure projects. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News