MANILA, Philippines — Surigao del Norte 1st District Rep. Francisco “Lalo” Matugas is pushing for the passage of a National Land Use Act as the Senate continues deliberations on proposals seeking to establish a comprehensive framework for how land is planned and used across the country.
Matugas, chairman of the House Special Committee on Land Use and principal author of House Bill 8466, welcomed the Senate action, saying its deliberations could help strengthen the measure.
“We appreciate the Senate for giving serious attention to this long-standing measure. Our senators bring their own experience and perspectives, and we welcome their inputs in producing a stronger and more workable law,” Matugas said in a statement released Thursday.
The House approved HB 8466 on third and final reading on May 5 and transmitted it to the Senate on May 6. The Senate has since taken up its own versions of the proposed National Land Use Act, with the House-approved measure among those being considered.
The measure seeks to establish a national land use policy and implementing mechanisms, including a National Land Use Commission.
It aims to provide a framework for balancing competing land requirements involving agriculture, housing and settlements, infrastructure, economic development, environmental protection and disaster resilience.
Matugas said the push builds on efforts from the previous Congress, when former Surigao del Norte Rep. Francisco Jose “Bingo” Matugas II was among the authors of the House version of the National Land Use Act.
“The effort did not begin with this Congress. Congressman Bingo and our colleagues in the previous Congress worked to advance the measure in the House. We were able to build on that work and move it forward again,” he said.
“The House has done its part, and we look forward to working constructively with our colleagues in the Senate. If there are provisions that can be strengthened, we are ready to listen and work with them,” Matugas added.
Several senators have filed their own versions of the proposed law, reflecting continued efforts in Congress to establish a national framework for land use.
“After decades of discussion, Congress has another opportunity to finally provide the country with a national land use law,” Matugas said.
