Designing an Implementable National Land Use Act for the Philippines: An Expert Legal, Planning, and Institutional Analysis of the Proposed National Land Use Act Bills

Abstract

Philippine land-use governance remains fragmented due to overlapping laws, sectoral policies, local planning systems, and regulatory frameworks. This study evaluates the proposed National Land Use Act (NLUA) measures in the Twentieth Congress by examining their alignment with Republic Act No. 12145, Republic Act No. 10587, existing sectoral laws, and interdisciplinary evidence. Using a qualitative multi-method documentary design, the study employed doctrinal legal analysis, comparative review of legislative proposals, thematic analysis of committee records, literature review, and SWOT-TOWS analysis. A Legislative Fitness Framework was used to assess legal coherence, spatial integration, institutional coordination, rights protection, professional accountability, and implementation capacity. Findings show that while the proposed bills share a common goal of integrated land-use governance, significant amendments are needed before enactment. Major gaps include unclear institutional arrangements, uncertain legal hierarchy of plans, weak integration of environmental risk considerations, incomplete protection of critical land systems and vulnerable sectors, limited operationalization of professional accountability, and inadequate mechanisms for funding, monitoring, and enforcement. The study concludes that a comprehensive NLUA should strengthen national coordination while respecting existing sectoral authorities, local governance, environmental regulations, and professional standards. It recommends a risk-informed, rights-based, and adaptive land-use framework that links planning decisions with investments, permits, and monitoring systems. House Bill No. 8466 may serve as a legislative foundation if supported by amendments that establish a coherent and implementable national land-use governance system.