The national government will spend up to P27.4 billion next year on right-of-way acquisitions for new public infrastructure projects under the Duterte administration’s Build, Build, Build program, according to Deputy Speaker and Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimentel.
“The Department of Transportation’s right-of-way outlay is meant to set in motion new rail and maritime transport projects, including the north-south commuter railway, the Philippine National Railways’ south long haul and the New Cebu International Container Port,” he said.
Based on the proposed National Expenditure Program for 2021, Pimentel said the DOTr and Department of Public Works and Highways plan to spend P14.8 billion and P12.6 billion, respectively, on ROW acquisitions.
“In the case of the DPWH, the ROW expenses are meant to clear the way for the construction of new expressways, flyovers, bridges and flood control projects,” Pimentel said.
The law mandates both departments to settle all ROW obligations before the commencement of the projects.
ROW expenses are allowed under Republic Act 10752, An Act Facilitating the Acquisition of ROW Site or Location for National Government Infrastructure Projects.
According to Pimentel, the combined fund of the DOTr and DPWH would spend in 2021 on ROW payments is 34 percent, or P6.9 billion, higher than the P20.5 billion In the General Appropriations Act for 2020. He added that the DOTr has P9 billion for ROW payments, while the DPWH has P11.5 billion.
