The 99-Year Lease Debate: Implications for Real Estate and Other Looming Risks

(Part 2 of 2)

By Realttorney^®

Despite the passage of the “99-Year Lease Law” on third and final reading by both Houses of Congress on December 24, 2024, there is a chance that it will not become law in the next 6 months. After the May 2025 elections, it seems our legislators may have no appetite to push for the harmonization of the 2 versions of the bill in the bicameral conference, and the subsequent ratification of the approved version by both chambers of the Congress of the Philippines.

While the proposal to amend Republic Act No. 7652 to extend the lease term for foreign investors to 99 years aims to attract more foreign capital and boost economic growth, it has generated several arguments against its enactment into law. Let us discuss some of these criticisms here.

This is an opportune time for all real estate stakeholders to learn about the various risks and challenges if the proposed amendments become law. And, by the end of the article, we shall discuss the key takeaways for real estate service practitioners as they practice and serve valued clients in their chosen profession.

As discussed in the previous article, the proposed amendments to Rep. Act No. 7652 seem constitutionally sound. However, critics argue that a 99-year lease is practically equivalent to foreign ownership of land, which is prohibited under the Philippine Constitution to protect national patrimony. Cause-oriented groups fear this could create loopholes allowing foreigners and foreign-owned entities to gain excessive control over the country’s land and resources over an extended period.

In addition, detractors of the “99-Year Lease Law” view this 99-year lease contract as a multi-generational lease, far exceeding the average global life expectancy. As such, this long duration raises concerns about the potential for foreigners and foreign-owned entities to establish long-lasting dominance over strategic lands all over the Philippines.

Furthermore, the extended security over private lands provided to foreign investors may create an uneven competitive landscape. Local enterprises may face challenges competing with foreign investors who have greater incentives and long-term stability in land access. This imbalance could hinder the growth and success of local businesses in the real estate sector.

Hence, while the extension of a lease up to an aggregate period of 99 years may bring opportunities for growth and development in the real estate market, it is crucial to carefully consider and address the potential challenges and risks associated with this incentive. Therefore, we should understand the risks and learn how to mitigate them so that the real estate sector can continue to thrive and contribute positively to the Philippine economy.

What are the potential challenges facing the real estate sector if Rep. Act No. 7652 is successfully amended?

One major concern is the reduced availability of private land for domestic use. Long-term leases effectively take land out of circulation for nearly a century, which could worsen the scarcity of prime land in urban and highly industrialized areas. This scarcity may drive up costs for local businesses and residents, impacting the overall economic landscape.

The passage of this law will impact the housing market, especially the socialized, low-cost to mid-market housing projects, in a negative way. Apart from the issue of affordability of such housing units, the passage of the “99-Year Lease Law” will drastically affect the supply of such housing projects, thereby exacerbating the ability of government to provide decent and affordable housing units to the low-income Filipinos.

In addition, there is apprehension that the extended lease terms could lead to increased land values, potentially displacing local investors or developers and making it harder for Filipinos to afford land and housing in their own country.

What are the potential negative impacts on agriculture and the local communities tied to agriculture?

Socio-civic organizations have raised concerns that agricultural lands awarded to agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) could be targeted for long-term lease for 99 years by foreign investors or foreign-owned entities. If so, this will undermine the goals of land redistribution and, most importantly, food security.

Therefore, this amendatory bill, if signed into law, could lead to the expansion of large-scale agribusinesses controlled by foreign corporations, to the detriment of small-scale farmers and other local food producers in the Philippines.

Historically, the government’s Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) is designed to ensure the fair distribution of land to farmers and enhance agricultural productivity. The proposed amendments to the Investor’s Lease Act include provisions that require leases to adhere to agrarian reform laws.

However, there are several concerns that need to be addressed. First, the detractors of the amendments see a potential risk that foreign investors may attempt to convert agricultural lands for industrial or commercial purposes. In their view, this could reduce the amount of land available for agrarian reform beneficiaries and jeopardize the long-term sustainability of the agricultural sector.

But we have to remember that there are certain safeguards included in the amendments that would hopefully prevent these things from happening. If such eventualities happen, then it would not be the failure of the letter of the law and its implementing rules and regulations, but due to the weakness of the character of those implementing the agrarian reform law and the implementing agencies of the amendatory law.

Second, and this is my opinion, enacting these amendments into law without the overall framework of a National Land Use Plan would present great regulatory challenges for the government regulators to manage and plan the use of land that is best for the Philippines, its regions, provinces, and cities.

Without a comprehensive land use plan, each local government unit (LGU) will compete for the setting up of investment projects in their localities while sacrificing the need for human settlements, food production, and the protection of the environment and ancestral domains, if any, within their territorial jurisdiction.

Monitoring and enforcing compliance of land use regulations of each LGU will be fragmented at best and may place a strain on government resources. Without effective oversight, there is a possibility of exploitation or non-compliance with the objectives of the Investor’s Lease Act, the laws on the environment, agrarian reform and other regulations.

Furthermore, critics worry that the bill’s definition of “private lands” might be vague enough to include ancestral domains, putting these lands at risk of being leased to foreign investors and eroding the heritage and identity of indigenous communities. But of course, Rep. Act No. 8371 (the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act) will hopefully provide adequate protection and safeguards to the Indigenous Peoples’ Ancestral Domains.

On a positive note, the proposed amendments to the Investor’s Lease Act could attract foreign investments in agro-industrial ventures. This could lead to increased employment opportunities for farmers and the introduction of modern agricultural technologies for the use of Filipino farmers.

Thus, while the government’s land reform program has the potential to bring about positive changes in the agricultural sector, it is crucial to address the aforementioned concerns to ensure all stakeholders in the agricultural sector benefit from all foreign investments in agriculture and agro-industrial ventures.

Economic Dependency and Lack of Real Impact: Some argue that such a long lease term could lead to economic dependence on foreign-owned entities, with control over significant land areas potentially shifting to foreign interests. Moreover, analysts suggest that the length of the land lease might not be the primary deterrent to foreign investment in the Philippines. Other factors like expensive power, poor infrastructure, governance issues, and graft and corruption might be more significant constraints. Therefore, extending the lease term alone might not guarantee a substantial increase in foreign investment or long-term economic development.

What then are the key takeaways for Real Estate Service Practitioners?

The proposed amendments to the Investor’s Lease Act could bring forth a myriad of challenges and opportunities for real estate service practitioners (RESPs) and real estate investors and developers.

The first thing to keep in mind is the possible rise in demand for advisory services for RESPs. With lease terms being extended, foreign investors will seek expert guidance to navigate local laws and ensure the legality and sustainability of their lease agreements.

Second, the increase in foreign direct investments in the Philippines may lead to an increase in demand for medium-scale or large-scale property development projects, opening doors for local partnerships and joint ventures for the clients of RESPs or the RESPs themselves.

Third, the possible growing demand for real estate projects will necessitate that RESPs conduct thorough due diligence to guarantee that leased properties adhere to agrarian reform laws and local zoning ordinances, among others.

Finally, it is imperative for RESPs to play a role in advocating for policies that strike a balance between protecting national interests and fostering economic growth. Ultimately, RESPs must be agents of positive change for all stakeholders in the real estate industry.

RESPs must be prepared to adapt to the changes brought about by the forthcoming amendments to the Investor’s Lease Act and seize the opportunities it presents. By staying informed and proactive, RESPs can navigate the evolving landscape of the real estate industry with confidence and success.

In conclusion, the proposed amendments to the Investor’s Lease Act demonstrate the government’s dedication to attracting foreign direct investments. While the proposed 99-year lease period is constitutionally acceptable, it is crucial to consider the potential drawbacks, such as impacts on land availability, the real estate market, and the land reform program, among others.

To ensure that this policy achieves its objectives without compromising national interests, it is essential to establish robust safeguards, clear regulations, and transparent implementation by government officials. For professionals in the real estate industry, this development highlights the importance of staying informed and proactive in guiding clients through the changing legal landscape.

Whether assisting foreign investors or safeguarding the rights of Filipino landowners, the real estate sector must serve as a conduit between opportunity and compliance. While proponents argue that a 99-year lease term will attract foreign investment and stimulate the economy, opponents voice significant concerns regarding national sovereignty, potential displacement of local communities, negative impacts on agriculture, questionable economic benefits, and potential legal complexities.

The stakeholders in the real estate industry, especially RESPs, should urge Congress and the Executive Department to exercise caution and prioritize the long-term interests of Filipino citizens and national patrimony.

Do you have anything to add? Or do you disagree with what we have written? Your comments will be very much welcomed.

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Atty. Jojo is a real estate attorney, an estate planning attorney, a licensed real estate broker, and a PRC-accredited Lecturer/ Speaker for Training Programs in Real Estate. He is committed to helping new and veteran real estate service practitioners be well-informed of the latest laws, rules, regulations, and information relevant to the real estate service sector.