Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

‘Twentieth Congress
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILLNO.4473

Introduced by Representative RAYMOND ADRIAN SALCEDA.

AN ACT
ESTABLISHING THE HIGH STANDARD HIGHWAY NETWORK, PROVIDING
FOR ITS PLANNING, DEVELOPMENT, FINANCING, AND MANAGEMENT, AND
FOR OTHER PURPOSES

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The Philippines continues to suffer from high logistics costs, traffic congestion, and
regional disparities in infrastructure. The World Bank estimates that logistics costs in the
country account for about 27 percent of sales value, significantly higher than regional
competitors such as Vietnam (16 percent) and Thailand (11 percent). Poor road connectivity
contributes to inefficiencies in moving goods and people, undermining national
competitiveness.

‘The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), in cooperation with the National
Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and the Department of Public Works and
Highways (DPWH), has developed a High Standard Highway (HSH) Network Master Plan for
the Philippines. This network envisions a system of limited-access, high-capacity highways
that connect Metro Manila to major regional centers, ports, and economic corridors, including
priority expressways in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. JICA studies have shown that the
completion of such a network would significantly reduce travel time, logistics costs, and
disaster evacuation risks.

While some segments have been implemented through public-private partnerships
(eg. North Luzon Expressway, South Luzon Expressway, TPLEX, CALAX), progress
remains uneven and subject to fiscal cycles and changing political priorities. Without a
legislative framework, the continuity of planning and financing for the national high standard
highway network cannot be guaranteed.

This measure seeks to establish the High Standard Highway Network as a matter of
national policy. It mandates DPWH, in coordination with NEDA and the Department of


‘Transportation (DOT?), to prepare and update a long-term National High Standard Highway
Network Plan, setting standards for safety, climate resilience, and interconnectivity. The bill
also creates a financing framework drawing from multiple sources, including appropriations
under the General Appropriations Act (GAA), official development assistance (ODA), public—
private partnerships (PPPs), bond issuances, and climate finance facilities.

In addition, the bill ensures transparency through an annual High Standard Highway
Network Report and independent technical audits. Local government integration is also
mandated so that land use planning and zoning align with highway development and right-of
way protection.

By codifying the High Standard Highway Network into law, this measure will provide
a continuity mechanism across administrations, reduce the risks of fragmented or ad hoc road
development, and anchor the Philippines to a long-term, globally competitive transport vision.

In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is eamestly sought.

RI4N SALCEDA


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

‘Twentieth Congress
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILLNO. 4473

Introduced by Representative RAYMOND ADRIAN SALCEDA.

AN ACT
ESTABLISHING THE HIGH STANDARD HIGHWAY NETWORK, PROVIDING

FOR ITS PLANNING, DEVELOPMENT, FINANCING, AND MANAGEMENT, Al
FOR OTHER PURPOSES,

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Title. This Act shall be known as the “High Standard Highway
Network Act.”

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. It is hereby declared the policy of the State to develop a
national system of high standard highways—limited access, high-capacity, and climate-
resilient corridors—that will support economic growth, regional connectivity, logistics
efficiency, and disaster response.

SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. For purposes of this Act:

(a) High Standard Highway refers to a road facility designed with controlled access,
multiple lanes, grade separations, and safety features in accordance with international
standards.

(b) Network refers to the integrated system of primary and secondary high standard
highways connecting metropolitan centers, growth corridors, economic zones, and

ports.

SEC. 4, National High Standard Highway Network Plan. The Department of Public
Works and Highways (DPWH), in coordination with the National Economic and Development
Authority (NEDA), the Department of Transportation (DOT?), and other concerned agencies,
shall prepare and regularly update a National High Standard Highway Network Plan
identifying priority corridors, technical standards, and investment requirements over a rolling
twenty (20)-year horizon.

SEC. 5. Financing. The Network shall be financed through:


(a) Annual appropriations under the General Appropriations Act (GAA);
(b) Official Development Assistance (ODA);
(c) Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) including tollway concessions;

(d) Bond issuances by Government Financial Institutions (GFIs) for revenue-generating
segments; and

(e) Climate finance facilities for resilience components.

SEC. 6. Project Prioritization, In determining priority projects, DPWH shall adopt
ctiteria based on: (a) economic impact on trade and logistics; (b) connectivity of metropolitan
regions and economic zones; (c) disaster risk reduction and evacuation functions; and (d)
equity of access across regions.

SEC. 7. Management and Standards. DPWH shall set uniform design, safety,
maintenance, and climate-resilience standards for all highways in the Network. The Toll
Regulatory Board (TRB) shall regulate toll rates for PPP segments to ensure affordability and
fairness.

SEC. 8. Local Government Integration. Local government units shall integrate the
Network into their Comprehensive Land Use Plans (CLUPs) and Local Transport
Development Plans to ensure alignment of zoning, right-of-way protection, and intermodal
connectivity.

SEC. 9. Transparency and Accountability. DPWH shall publish an annual High
Standard Highway Network Report detailing physical and financial progress, costs, and
timelines. Independent technical audits shall be conducted for all projects above Five Hundred
Million Pesos (P500,000,000).

SEC. 10. Appropriations. The amount necessary for the initial implementation of this
Act shall be charged against the current year’s appropriations of the DPWH. Thereafter, such
sums as may be necessary shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

SEC. 11. Implementing Rules and Regulations. Within ninety (90) days from the
effectivity of this Act, DPWH, in consultation with NEDA, DOTr, TRB, and other
stakeholders, shall issue the necessary implementing rules and regulations.

SEC. 12. Separability Clause. If any provision of this Act is declared unconstitutional,
the remainder shall not be affected thereby.

SEC. 13. Repealing Clause. All laws, decrees, executive orders, and regulations
inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC. 14. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in
the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,