LANDLOCKED PROPERTY : CAN A BUYER DEMAND RIGHT OF WAY?

Landlocked Property’: Can a buyer demand right of way?

One of the most common problems land buyers face in the Philippines is purchasing property with no direct access to a public road. This issue, often overlooked at the time of sale, was tackled in a recent episode of ‘CIA with BA.’

During the show's ‘Tanong ng Pilipino’ segment, Marlyn, 49, of Las Piñas City, asked: “Pinagbentahan ako ng lupa na napapagitnaan ng ibang property nung nagbenta sa akin. Pwede po ba akong mag-demand ng right of way sa nagbenta ng lupa sa akin para naman may daan ako palabas sa public road?”

Senator Alan Peter Cayetano personally responded to the inquiry and offered a comprehensive explanation of the legal concept of right of way.

“In all cases kasi, pwede kang magkaroon ng right of way,” he began.

He explained that if the land purchased is surrounded by properties owned by other people — not by the seller — then the buyer may still request a right of way but would need to pay for it. “Kung ang property na binili mo ay pinaligiran ng lupa na iba ang may-ari, hindi ‘yung nagbenta sa ‘yo, then pwede kang humingi ng right of way pero magbabayad ka.”

However, the conditions change if the seller owns the adjacent properties. “Pero kung ang nagbenta sa ‘yo, siya rin ‘yung may-ari nung mga lupa na [nakapaligid] sa lupa mo, hindi mo kailangan magbayad ng right of way.”

He further clarified that regardless of who grants the access, “ang pipiliin na daan diyan, ‘yung daan na least na nakakaperwisyo don sa katabi mong lupa.”

When asked if there are remedies available, the senator-host confirmed: “Yes, pero ‘yun nga, mas maganda kung bago binili, nagkaroon ng [kalinawan] na kasi nga ‘yung delay at saka ‘yung usapang [kung] magkano, saan dadaan, medyo mabusisi ‘yan.”

The segment emphasized the importance of conducting thorough checks before buying land, especially ensuring that the property has clear and legal access to a public road. Doing so helps avoid conflicts and complications down the line.

Alongside award-winning TV host Boy Abunda, Kuya Alan leads ‘CIA with BA,’ continuing the legacy of his late dad Sen. Rene “Compañero” Cayetano. The program airs every Sunday at 11:00 p.m. on GMA7, with replays every Saturday at 10:30 p.m. on GTV.