The Philippine House of Representatives has approved three bills on third and final reading, including two measures identified as priorities by the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council.
The approved measures are House Bill 8466, known as the National Land Use Act, and House Bill 8647, which expands the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program. A third bill, House Bill 7704, which broadens protections against discrimination toward women, also passed.
House Bill 8466 establishes a National Land Use Commission to address conflicts over land use. Speaker Faustino Dy III noted that the reform had faced delays for decades and stated the chamber is now prepared to manage land resources for future generations.
House Majority Leader Sandro Marcos highlighted that the legislation would protect farms, guide safer housing development, improve road planning and reduce disaster risks. Rep. Martin Romualdez, a principal author, added that the measure provides clearer guidance for balancing economic growth with environmental safeguards.
