LETTER OF INSTRUCTIONS NO. 1037

: Because unpaid right-of-way claims cause delays in infrastructure projects, and resolving these issues promptly is necessary to avoid prejudicing government infrastructure programs.
: All ministries, agencies, and offices concerned must include provisions for funds for right-of-way acquisition in their project construction programs and decentralize payments through regional directors.
: The Ministry of the Budget is tasked to facilitate and expedite the revalidation or renewal of expired cash-disbursement ceilings to ensure timely payment of right-of-way claims.
: The COA is empowered to have different regional auditors review and approve right-of-way claims amounting to less than P100,000 within their jurisdictions, while claims of P100,000 or more must also be reviewed and approved by the COA headquarters in Quezon City.
: All right-of-way claims must be paid within one year from the date of filing, provided that the claim papers are complete and in order.
: All concerned offices must extend necessary assistance to claimants to help them secure required documents and expedite the payment of their claims.
: All other instructions, directives, orders, rules, and regulations conflicting with this Letter of Instructions are repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.
: It took effect immediately upon its issuance on June 17, 1980.