The Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) is supporting the swift approval of a strengthened Right of Way (ROW) bill.
The group believes the bill is crucial to solving the country’s infrastructure problems which are hurting economic growth and making the Philippines less competitive compared to its neighbors.
In a statement, FFCCCII President Victor Lim pointed out that infrastructure delays, often caused by ROW issues, are costing the country billions in lost productivity and investment.
“The country’s systemic failures in infrastructure development are not mere bureaucratic inefficiencies—they represent nothing less than a national crisis of competitiveness, one that undermines economic growth, erodes our regional standing, and deprives millions of Filipinos of the modern connectivity they deserve.” he said.
“While our Asian and ASEAN neighbors surge ahead with world-class infrastructure, the Philippines remains shackled by self-imposed paralysis.” he added.
The group cited the Metro Manila Subway, which has been delayed by four years due to ROW disputes, as a prime example. It also mentioned the North-South Commuter Railway and LRT-1 Cavite Extension facing similar holdups.
It said that the bill’s amendments are crucial to breaking the cycle of failure, as they standardize land valuation using fair market principles, provide guaranteed funding for land acquisition, and offer structured resettlement and rental subsidy programs for affected residents.
“The FFCCCII urges the 19th Congress to act with the urgency this crisis demands. Infrastructure is the foundation of economic vitality, and every day of delay widens the gap between the Philippines and its thriving neighbors.” it said.
