Law Summary

Purpose and Scope

• This Executive Order establishes a classification system for public roads in the Philippines, aimed at defining the limits of these roads and clarifying responsibilities for their maintenance.
• The classification is based on recommendations from the National Transportation Board as per Executive Order No. 45.

Classification of Roads

1. National Roads

   • Definition: Roads classified as Insular roads and main traffic routes connecting provincial capitals with important commercial centers, national airports, seaports, national parks, and military roads designated by the President.
   • Right-of-Way Requirement: Minimum of 20 meters.

2. Provincial Roads

   • Definition: Roads connecting municipalities, those extending to public wharfs or railway stations, and any road designated by the Secretary of Public Works upon request from the Provincial Board and favorable recommendation from the Director of Public Works.
   • Right-of-Way Requirement: Minimum of 15 meters.

3. Municipal Roads

   • Definition: All highways not classified as National or Provincial Roads.
   • Right-of-Way Requirement: Minimum of 10 meters.

Construction and Maintenance Responsibilities

• National Roads

  • Responsibility: Construction, maintenance, and improvement are overseen by district and city engineers under the Director of Public Works.
  • Funding: Financed through appropriations authorized by the Commonwealth Government.
  • Special Provision: Funds collected under specific laws (Revised Administrative Code and Act No. 3992) will be allocated for the maintenance and improvement of national roads, with 20% reserved for provincial and city road funds.

• Provincial Roads

  • Responsibility: Managed by district engineers under the Director of Public Works.
  • Funding: Financed through provincial funds and aid authorized by the Commonwealth Government.

• Municipal Roads

  • Responsibility: Managed by municipal governments.
  • Funding: Financed with municipal funds.
  • Special Provision: Municipal roads of significant importance can be reclassified as provincial roads upon request and recommendation.

Road Mapping

• The Secretary of Public Works and Communications is tasked with preparing a map of the proposed national and provincial road system.
• The map, upon Presidential approval, will constitute the Official Road Map of the Philippines.

Repeal of Previous Orders

• Executive Orders No. 1 (1910), No. 184 (1929), and No. 625 (1935) are revoked.
• The order is effective as of January 1, 1937.

Key Takeaways

• Executive Order No. 71 establishes a structured classification of roads in the Philippines (National, Provincial, Municipal) with specific right-of-way requirements.
• Responsibilities for construction and maintenance are delineated among national, provincial, and municipal authorities with specific funding sources.
• The Secretary of Public Works is mandated to create an Official Road Map for the country.
• This order revokes previous executive orders related to road classifications and is effective from the start of 1937.