Property Ownership Limitation Act (Proposed)

EXPLANATORY NOTE

In the Philippines, where wealth inequality and political entitlement continue to undermine public trust, public officials often accumulate vast amounts of real estate over the course of their careers—often disproportionate to their legal income and far beyond the basic needs of public service.

Inspired by the principles behind the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law (CARL), which redistributed land to promote equity and dismantle feudal privileges, and the Balikbayan Law, which imposed limits to prevent abuse of tax incentives, this proposed legislation seeks to define and enforce a lifetime ceiling on real estate ownership for all public officials.

Under this proposed law, no public official - whether elected, appointed, or permanent (plantilla) - shall own more than three (3) real estate properties, and the total combined lot area must not exceed 1,500 square meters nationwide. These properties shall be limited to:

• A Principal Residence;
• A Secondary Property for family or livelihood; and

• An Additional Property located near the official’s government assignment, if necessary.

This threshold is designed to reflect a reasonable standard of living for a statesman and a clear rejection of wealth accumulation through public office. Public officials are not private entrepreneurs - they are stewards of public trust. By imposing clear, reasonable limits, this law will help prevent conflict of interest, curb corruption, and restore the ethical foundation of government service.

This proposal is respectfully submitted for the consideration of Congress, in pursuit of a lean, honest, and truly people-centered public service.