At least P72B allotted for right-of-way acquisition from 2019-2021

The government spends billions yearly to pay for the acquisition of the required right-of-way of some projects, yet a number of key infrastructure projects remain delayed.

According to a “24 Oras” report by Ivan Mayrina, several projects continue to face delays because of right-of-way issues, some of which even reach the court.

Quoting GMA News Research, the report said that the national budget from 2019 up to the proposed 2021 appropriations have allotted at least P72 billion for the right-of-way acquisition for public works projects (P35 billion) and transportation projects (P37 billion).

Under Republic Act No. 10752 or the Right of Way Act, the government may acquire real property needed for its national infrastructure projects through donation, negotiated sale, expropriation, or any other mode of acquisition as provided by law.

The property of Luis Tomas along C-3 Road has housed his business for decades.  However, a road project that will pass through his property left him with no choice but to sell portion of it to the government.

“Wala ka namang talagang magagawa kasi it’s the government’s right of eminent domain. Although ang consideration lang namin is how much they will purchase it from us,” he said.

Senator Panfilo Lacson, vice chair of the Senate finance committee, said right-of-way projects must be settled ahead of the start of the infrastructure projects.

“Paano mo sisimulan ang konstruksyon ng isang kalye kung hindi mo pa nase-settle ang right-of-way,” he said.

The senator also welcomed the move of the president to create a task force that would look into the alleged corruption at the Department of Public Works and Highways.

“Kung magke-create ng task force, I would suggest to address the issue of right-of-way kasi maraming kalokohan dyan,” Lacson said.—LDF, GMA News