Open Letter to the Senators of the Republic of the Philippines: Urgent Action Needed for Landlocked Property Owners

Dear Honorable Senators Cynthia Villar, Grace Poe, Kiko Pangilinan, Pia Cayetano, Sherwin Gatchalian, Joel Villanueva, Imee Marcos, Robin Padilla, and Christopher “Bong” Go,

We, concerned citizens of the Philippines, are writing to you regarding a critical issue that impacts thousands of landowners across our nation. This issue revolves around the rights of landlocked property owners who have been denied their rightful access to public roads—a fundamental necessity that our laws should protect.

The Issue at Hand

For many years, landowners whose properties are surrounded by other lands have faced significant challenges in securing a right of way. This situation has rendered many lands underutilized or entirely inaccessible, leading to economic losses, stunted development, and deep frustration among affected landowners. The legal procedures to obtain a right of way are often cumbersome, expensive, and time-consuming, discouraging many from pursuing their rights.

Under Republic Act No. 386, Section 3, Article 649 of the Civil Code of the Philippines, landlocked property owners are entitled to demand a right of way through neighboring estates after paying the proper indemnity. However, enforcing this right is difficult without clear, streamlined procedures and fair compensation mechanisms. Unfortunately, local government units, which should play a crucial role in resolving these disputes, frequently lack the resources or willingness to provide the necessary support.

Our Appeal

We respectfully urge you, our esteemed senators, to consider the following actions:

Simplify and Strengthen the Right of Way Process:
- Introduce legislation with clearer, more straightforward guidelines for securing a right of way that are accessible to all landowners, regardless of their resources or legal knowledge.
Enhance Local Government Involvement:
- Empower local government units to actively mediate right-of-way disputes, provide legal assistance to landowners, and ensure that compensation for land use is fair and equitable.
Raise Awareness and Provide Support:
- Launch public education campaigns to inform landowners of their rights regarding property access and the steps they can take to secure a right of way.
Ensure Fair Compensation:
- Address the financial burdens faced by landlocked property owners by ensuring that indemnity payments are reasonable and do not further disadvantage those who are already struggling.

Why This Matters

The issue of landlocked properties is not just about individual rights; it has broader implications for the economic development of rural and urban areas alike. Without access to roads, properties cannot reach their full potential, limiting economic opportunities for their owners and surrounding communities.

A Call to Action

We trust in your dedication to serve the Filipino people and to uphold the rights of all citizens. We ask that you prioritize this issue and work towards legislative solutions that will protect landlocked property owners, ensure fair access to public roads, and foster development across the country.

Sincerely,

Aivi Remulla
www.aiviremulla.com

Land Problems

Open Letter to the Senators of the Republic of the Philippines: Urgent Action Needed for Landlocked Property Owners