A new law signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is expected to speed up the acquisition of land for infrastructure projects and boost investor confidence, a top official said Friday.
The Accelerated and Reformed Right-of-Way (ARROW) Act, signed as Republic Act No. 12289, is a key part of the administration’s “Build-Better-More” program.
Secretary Frederick Go, Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs (SAPIEA), described the measure as a ‘win for both the economy and the Filipino people,’ saying it would resolve one of the most persistent issues in the country’s infrastructure drive.
“The ARROW Act will speed up the delivery of projects while ensuring fair compensation and transparency,” Go said.
“It will enable better access to essential services, boost investor confidence, and, more importantly, fast-track projects that will deliver safer roads, shorter commutes, reliable electricity, clean water and increased opportunities,” he said.
Go said right-of-way disputes and valuation conflicts had traditionally stalled projects, discouraging private sector participation and slowing the rollout of key facilities nationwide.
The law applies to a wide range of public and private projects, including roads, bridges, airports, seaports, power and water systems, broadband networks, and irrigation facilities. It also clears the way for long-awaited subway systems by authorizing priority projects to proceed at depths of up to 18 meters underground.
The implementing rules and regulations for the new law are expected to be issued within 60 days.
