The Senate on Monday, June 9, approved on third and final reading Senate Bill No. 2821, or the Accelerated and Reformed Right-of-Way (ARROW) Act, with 23 senators voting in favor of the measure aimed at expediting the acquisition of right-of-way for government and public service infrastructure projects.
Sponsored by Senator Mark A. Villar, the bill seeks to amend Republic Act No. 10752, also known as the “Right-of-Way Act,” to streamline processes for acquiring land and related assets necessary for the implementation of critical infrastructure developments across the country.
The proposed ARROW Act will apply to infrastructure projects initiated by the national government, its public service facilities, and authorized private entities granted the power of eminent domain. Covered sectors include electricity distribution and transmission, water and wastewater pipelines, petroleum systems, airports, seaports, telecommunications, internet connectivity, and irrigation projects, among others.
A key feature of the bill is the institutionalization of the Right-of-Way Action Plan (RAP), which must be prepared by the implementing agency prior to the property acquisition. The RAP includes the census and profiling of affected individuals, inventory of affected assets, estimated costs, implementation schedule, institutional arrangements, and records of stakeholder consultations.
The pricing for the right-of-way acquisition will be anchored on the valuation system and schedule of market values as defined in Republic Act No. 12001, or the Real Property Valuation and Assessment Reform Act.
Villar said the measure aims to prevent project delays, protect affected individuals, and provide a clear and efficient legal framework to fast-track infrastructure delivery nationwide.