Senator Raffy Tulfo has vowed to champion the enactment of the long-delayed National Land Use Act (NLUA), expressing strong resolve to push the proposed legislation across the finish line.
Tulfo’s commitment comes on the heels of his takeover as the new chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment, Natural Resources, and Climate Change, a leadership role formerly held by Senator Camille Villar.
The proposed NLUA is designed to introduce a unified, country-wide blueprint for the country’s land resources. Its primary goals include driving sustainable land development, shielding agricultural workers and native tribes from land grabbing, establishing urban order, and conserving ecological sanctuaries.
The legislative journey of this bill spans over three decades, with its initial version introduced during the 9th Congress way back in 1994.
Although various versions have secured approval over the years, the measure has consistently stalled in the upper chamber of Congress.
“Sa ilalim ng aking pamumuno, sisiguruhin kong wala nang makakapigil sa pagsasabatas ng National Land Use Act na deka-dekada nang hindi maisabatas dahil bagamat nakakalusot sa Lower House, pag-akyat nito sa Senado ay nakabinbin na lamang dahil inuupuan sa Komite ng Environment,” Tulfo said.
The lawmaker underscored that the legislation is vital to reinforce safeguards for marginalized groups, specifically small farmers and indigenous communities vulnerable to forced displacement and rapid land conversion.
“Panahon na para bigyan ng matibay na sandata ang ating mga magsasaka at katutubo laban sa mga ganid na land grabbers na walang habas na sumisira sa kanilang kabuhayan sa pamamagitan ng pag-reclassify ng mga agricultural lands patungo sa residential, commercial, at mixed use na gamit para sa benepisyo ng mga naglalakihang mga kumpanya,” he emphasized.