Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 621)
Executive Order No. 113, series of 1955, originally requires a minimum width of twenty (20) meters for national roads.
The minimum width of national roads can be reduced to fifteen (15) meters at the discretion of the Minister of Public Highways for roads passing through highly urbanized areas, provided the road design is suitably altered with features like closed drainage, curbs, and gutters.
There was a need to reduce the minimum width because of difficulties in acquiring lots and buildings in highly urbanized areas, homeowner reluctance to sell due to lack of alternative lots and sentimental reasons, and to minimize social disruption and cost.
The Minister of Public Highways has the authority to reduce the minimum road width from twenty (20) meters to fifteen (15) meters in highly urbanized areas.
Design alterations include implementing closed drainage systems, curbs, and gutters to ensure the road's functionality and drainage despite the narrower width.
A right of way of at least sixty (60) meters shall be reserved for roads constructed through unpatented public land.
A right of way of at least one hundred twenty (120) meters shall be reserved for roads passing through naturally forested areas of aesthetic or scientific value.
The amendment took effect immediately upon its issuance on September 18, 1980.
It aims to minimize social problems related to the dislocation of residents, especially in highly urbanized areas where houses are inherited and owners are reluctant to sell, thereby avoiding displacement and destruction of buildings.