House approves National Land Use Act on final reading

THE House of Representatives has approved House Bill No. 8466, otherwise known as the proposed National Land Use Act, on its third and final reading Tuesday.

The bill received overwhelming support from lawmakers, passing with a vote of 224 in favor, 3 against, and zero abstentions, reflecting broad consensus on the need for a comprehensive policy framework to guide how the country’s land and natural resources are managed and utilized.

Backed by the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC), the measure is designed to create a unified national system that promotes rational, holistic, equitable, and sustainable land management. Its main goal is to strike a balance between advancing economic development and safeguarding the environment, while also enhancing the country’s capacity to withstand and recover from natural disasters. By setting clear standards and guidelines, the legislation seeks to ensure that land use decisions are made with long-term welfare in mind, rather than focusing solely on immediate gains.

Principal author of the bill, Representative Romualdez, explained that the proposed law aims to make development meaningful and accessible to the general public.

He emphasized that the policy is intended to protect vulnerable groups including farmers, indigenous communities, and future generations from the negative impacts of unplanned or improper land use. Through this framework, the government hopes to establish an organized and responsible approach to land management that benefits both the present population and the country’s long-term progress.