Question & AnswerQ&A (Act No. 2373)
The Manila Railroad Company is granted right of way through public lands of the Philippine Government for constructing, operating, and maintaining railroads to a width of one hundred feet, including necessary grounds for depots, machine shops, stations, workshops, warehouses, wharves, dock fronts, switches, and side tracks, with possible extension beyond one hundred feet if necessary and approved by the Governor-General.
Yes, with written approval from the Governor-General, the company can open and work quarries and gravel pits on public lands and take earth, stone, timber, and other materials for constructing the railway, but only on public lands available for homestead settlement, sale, or timber lands not used for other public purposes or friars' lands.
No, the provisions allowing use of public lands do not apply to lands assigned for other public purposes or to the friars' lands.
The company may cross or occupy such areas with the approval of the Governor-General and on terms agreed upon with proper provincial or municipal authorities. If agreement fails, the Governor-General fixes the terms.
Such lands or rights revert to the governments that granted them upon termination, revocation, or repeal of the franchise or concession.
The company can acquire lands by purchase, contract, lease, grant, or donation for construction, maintenance, and operation of the railway lines.
The company has the right to acquire necessary lands for right of way, bridges, terminals, sidings, stations, and other structures by condemnation, in accordance with Philippine laws in force, except lands in actual governmental use or without consent of municipal authorities unless approved by the Governor-General.
The company may construct and maintain tracks, bridges, viaducts, culverts, fences, depots, station houses, engine houses, car houses, freight houses, wood houses, machine shops, water tanks, turntables, elevators, warehouses, wharves, piers, hotels, and restaurants at any station or terminal.
Yes, the provisions also apply to the foreshore and all public or government lands formed or reclaimed by dredging, filling, or otherwise, unless set aside for other public purposes.
The Governor-General determines the allowable land or right of way width and approves all plans for structures and lines to be constructed on the foreshore or reclaimed lands.