Below is an extensive discussion of right-of-way (ROW) width requirements for new roads in the Philippines, incorporating relevant laws, regulations, and best practices. Note that guidelines can vary among different agencies and local government units (LGUs), so always verify the latest circulars, department orders, and municipal ordinances for the most up-to-date requirements.

1. Legal Foundations of Right of Way in the Philippines

1987 Philippine Constitution
- Article III, Section 9 provides that private property may not be taken for public use without just compensation. This underpins eminent domain, the power of government to acquire private property for public projects such as roads.
Republic Act (R.A.) No. 10752 (Right-of-Way Act of 2016)
- Governs the acquisition of right-of-way for national government infrastructure projects, including roads.
- Sets forth procedures on negotiation, expropriation, entitlement to just compensation, and guidelines on how property owners should be compensated for land acquired for new roads.
Local Government Code of 1991 (R.A. No. 7160)
- Empowers LGUs (provinces, cities, municipalities, and barangays) to construct and maintain local roads.
- LGUs may enact ordinances on road development and may have their own requirements for local (municipal or barangay) roads.
- LGUs also facilitate ROW acquisitions for local roads or those undertaken in coordination with national agencies.

2. Government Agencies and Their Roles

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)
- The primary agency responsible for planning, design, and construction of national roads and highways.
- Issues Department Orders (DOs), guidelines, and circulars on ROW standards, design specifications, and land acquisition processes for national roads.
Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB), now part of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD)
- Issues rules on subdivision development and housing projects (e.g., under Batas Pambansa Blg. 220, Presidential Decree No. 957).
- Establishes minimum road widths in private subdivisions, whether socialized, economic, or open-market housing.
Local Government Units (LGUs)
- Responsible for local roads—barangay, municipal, and city roads.
- May enact ordinances setting local minimum road widths.
- Oversee local zoning and land use, which may affect ROW requirements.

3. Classification of Roads and Standard Minimum Widths

A. National Roads

National roads (or highways) are typically under DPWH jurisdiction. Although specific widths can differ based on site conditions, the commonly referenced minimum standards (subject to periodic updates) for new national roads are:

Rural Areas
- Often a total right-of-way of 20 meters.
- Can expand to 30 meters or more where future widening or additional lanes are anticipated, in mountainous or forested areas, or to accommodate drainage, shoulders, and safety zones.
Urban or Highly Developed Areas
- Often 20–30 meters.
- Urban settings may require a wider ROW to include sidewalks, utilities, bike lanes, and buffer zones.

These numbers may vary depending on DPWH Department Orders and feasibility studies. In highly congested cities, compromises or adjusted standards may be made to lessen displacement, but typically any deviation requires official approval.

B. Provincial and City/Municipal Roads

Local roads that connect municipalities or serve as secondary links within a province are often the responsibility of provincial or city/municipal governments. Typical ROW widths referenced in older guidelines or local ordinances for new roads in these categories are:

Provincial Roads: around 15–20 meters
City or Municipal Roads: around 10–15 meters

Exact figures are guided by local ordinances, DPWH recommendations, and land-use planning needs. Some LGUs adopt the same widths as national standards if resources and area allow, while others adopt narrower widths for space-constrained localities.

C. Barangay Roads

Barangay roads are the smallest class of public roads and typically have the most flexible standards. Minimum ROW can range from 6 meters to 10 meters, depending on:

The area’s topography.
Population density.
Planned usage and traffic volume.
Existing local ordinances.

In rural barangays with sparse development, 6–8 meters might be acceptable for basic access, but in more urban barangays, at least 10 meters is often recommended for future upgrades.

D. Subdivision and Housing Development Roads

For new roads within private subdivisions, developers must comply with standards set by the DHSUD (formerly HLURB). Under Batas Pambansa Blg. 220 (for economic and socialized housing) and Presidential Decree No. 957 (for open-market and medium-cost housing):

Socialized Housing
- Main or primary road: at least 8 meters ROW.
- Secondary or minor road: can be 6.5–8 meters.
- Pathwalks or alleys (if applicable): around 2–3 meters (for pedestrian access only).
Economic / Low-Cost Housing
- Main or primary road: 10 meters (some guidelines specify 8–10 meters, but 10 meters is safer for two-lane traffic plus provision for sidewalks).
- Minor roads: at least 8 meters.
Open-Market / Medium-Cost Housing
- Main road: Typically 10–12 meters or more, depending on the scale of the development.
- Minor road: At least 8–10 meters.
High-End Subdivisions / Planned Unit Developments
- The ROW can be 12 meters or more for main roads, with provisions for landscaped medians, bike lanes, and sidewalks.

Local subdivision ordinances can specify additional requirements for sidewalk widths, planting strips, and utility easements, which affect the total ROW.

4. Key Laws and Regulations Governing Right-of-Way Acquisition

R.A. No. 10752 (Right-of-Way Act)
- Outlines the process for acquiring private land for public use.
- Requires the national government to attempt negotiated purchase first. If negotiations fail, expropriation through the courts follows.
- Property owners are entitled to compensation based on current market value, replacement cost of improvements, and other damages allowed by law.
Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of R.A. No. 10752
- Provides procedural details for appraisals, deposit of just compensation, and transfer of property titles to the government.
DPWH Department Orders
- These orders clarify the design standards (including typical cross-sections for roads), update minimum widths, specify safety offsets, and detail steps to handle utilities and drainage within the ROW.
Local Ordinances
- Each LGU (province, city, or municipality) may have supplementary regulations.
- Zoning ordinances often include minimum provisions for roads in new developments or redevelopment areas.

5. Additional Considerations for New Road Projects

Utilities and Easements
- Roads require space not just for vehicular lanes but also for drainage ditches, water supply lines, power lines, street lighting, telecommunication cables, and sidewalks.
- The ROW must allow for safe installation and maintenance of these facilities.
Environmental and Social Impacts
- Large ROW acquisitions can lead to displacement of residents and businesses.
- Social impact assessments (SIAs) and environmental compliance certificates (ECCs) may be needed, especially for major roads or projects crossing sensitive areas.
Design Flexibility
- While laws set minimum widths, engineers, planners, and LGUs may propose adjustments based on geography (mountainous vs. flat terrain), traffic projections, right-of-way costs, or heritage considerations (e.g., in historic towns).
- However, deviations below the mandated minimum often require official approval.
Future Expansion
- Planners typically anticipate future growth, designing roads with wider ROWs than initially built. This avoids expensive expropriation or demolition of new structures when additional lanes or improved drainage become necessary.
Safety Requirements
- Road safety elements—such as shoulders, pedestrian sidewalks, bike lanes, and protective barriers—may increase the recommended ROW.
- International standards (e.g., AASHTO) often influence DPWH guidelines, particularly for high-traffic or high-speed roads.

6. Compliance and Enforcement

Approval Process
- National projects (such as national highways) require DPWH approval, while local roads typically need LGU clearance.
- Subdivision roads must secure permits from the DHSUD (previously HLURB) or relevant local offices, depending on the scale.
Inspection and Monitoring
- The DPWH or the local engineering office inspects ongoing construction projects, ensuring roads comply with approved plans.
- Developers failing to meet standard ROW requirements may face denial or revocation of permits.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
- Under the Local Government Code and applicable DPWH regulations, violators may be penalized with fines, forced demolition, or denial of occupancy permits (in the case of subdivision roads).

7. Practical Tips for Stakeholders

For LGUs and Government Planners
- Coordinate early with landowners to minimize disputes and delays.
- Conduct transparent public consultations, especially for large projects that affect many households.
For Private Developers
- Check both national and local regulations.
- Secure necessary subdivision permits from DHSUD.
- Plan for future expansion when setting ROW widths.
For Landowners
- Understand your rights under R.A. No. 10752.
- Seek professional appraisal and legal advice to ensure fair compensation in ROW takings.
For the General Public
- Stay informed about road projects in your area.
- Engage in public consultations to address concerns about displacement, safety, or environmental impacts.

8. Conclusion

Right-of-way width requirements in the Philippines for new roads are shaped by national laws (particularly R.A. No. 10752), DPWH guidelines, and local ordinances. While standards vary depending on the classification of the road—national, provincial, city, municipal, or barangay—common practice is to adopt minimum widths that account for current and future needs, including lanes, drainage, sidewalks, and utility corridors. Subdivision roads carry additional requirements from the DHSUD, ensuring that private developments also maintain adequate access and safety. Ultimately, proper adherence to ROW regulations is vital for reducing congestion, safeguarding public welfare, and guaranteeing equitable acquisition of private property for the public good.