MANILA, Philippines — Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Secretary Frederick Go on Friday said that the newly signed Republic Act (RA) 12289, or the Accelerated and Reformed Right-of-Way (Arrow) Act, would fast-track critical infrastructure projects and even boost investor confidence.
RA 12289, signed by the President on Sept. 12, amends RA 10752, or the Right-of-Way (ROW) Act, to remove bottlenecks that have long delayed major public works and public service facilities.
The Arrow Act is a top priority of the current administration and was fast-tracked under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to address long-standing right-of-way bottlenecks that have delayed vital infrastructure projects and discouraged private investment.
With the new law in place, Go said the government aimed to ensure that public service infrastructure was delivered more efficiently, equitably, and at the scale and speed needed by the people.
“The law reflects the administration’s belief that infrastructure is a powerful driver of inclusive, sustainable growth, and a vital pillar of its broader economic agenda,” Go said in a statement.
The Cabinet official said the landmark reform also bolstered the administration’s Build Better More program and demonstrates its commitment to delivering efficient, responsive public services to the Filipino people.
He said the new law streamlined the land acquisition process, paving the way for quicker construction of roads, bridges, energy and water systems, schools, and other critical infrastructure nationwide.
“The Arrow Act will speed up the delivery of projects, while ensuring fair compensation and transparency. This is a win for both the economy and the Filipino people,” Go said.
He added that the new law would “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.”
“The issues surrounding right-of-way are usually the reason for delay of infrastructure projects nationwide,” he pointed out.
Infrastructure projects are often held back by disputes over property valuation, overlapping claims, and fragmented legal processes.
Go said the Arrow Act addressed these challenges by institutionalizing a streamlined framework for land acquisition.
Also, the law applies to infrastructure projects initiated by the national government, its public service facilities, and authorized private entities that are granted the power of eminent domain, he said.
It covers key sectors, including power transmission and distribution, water supply and wastewater systems, petroleum pipelines, airports and seaports, telecommunications and broadband networks, and irrigation projects and other public utility services.
The new law is also a welcome development for commuters as it authorizes priority government infrastructure projects to proceed at depths of up to 18 meters below ground – on par with regional standards – clearing the way for long-awaited subway systems.
It also guarantees fair compensation for owners of subsurface structures that cannot be avoided.
The law is expected to resolve right-of-way issues that have delayed key projects, such as the Metro Manila Subway Project.
Former Transportation secretary Vince Dizon previously said that due to right-of-way problems, the subway’s partial operation, initially planned for 2028-2029, could be delayed until 2032.
While some issues have been resolved, challenges in areas like Bonifacio Global City and Metrowalk still need to be addressed.
