Legislators Propose to Declare Most of Boracay as Public Domain

[james.humarang]

In line with the current and undeniable fact that Boracay is a hot real estate site, Philippine house legislators are pushing for a bill that would declare up to 60% of land in the island as open for public disposition. The proposed law if ratified and approved will make more lands available for purchases by new real estate investors. The bill will open for further and bigger property investments and capital into this tourism busy island.

However, House Bill 1109 is being fiercely opposed by current land and resort owners who claim the proposed legislation will result to confiscation of their lots and land assets in the island. Such land owners are firm and determined to oppose the passing of the bill.

Authors of the bill, Aklan representative Florencio Miraflores and Negros Occidental representative Ignacio Arroyo, said the legislation will not be confiscatory. Instead, it will only enable land owners and occupants to secure titles for their owned lots through a government-sponsored free land patents. The lawmakers said the bill is not intended to deprive legitimate land owners of their rights to properties. The authors are also welcoming any suggested amendments and modifications to their bill so that it will be able to cater to more and achieve its goals with ease and smoothness.

HB 1109 is seen as a proposed law that will divide resort from property owners through appropriate classification. It is also initially aimed at having such owners secure rights through appropriate and legal procedures that will result to land and property entitlements. The bill is also aiming to further systematize the real estate ownership and transactions in the island, which is set to pave the way for more and greater real estate investments.

About 630 hectares of land will be classified as public domain and will be disposed to investing public from domestic to offshore investors. About 340 hectares will be declared as forestland, which will be protected by law. The remaining areas will be categorized as easements and buffer zones.

Currently, there are no land ownership entitlements in Boracay. In 1978, a government proclamation declared the island a tourism and marine zone. Business and resort owners and residents are now claiming ownership through tax declarations. The proposed bill will finally hand formal and legit ownership of the assets to owners. Bill authors reiterate that the proposed law will work to the advantage of everyone.