The Philippines has taken a major step toward attracting long-term foreign investment with the official signing of the Implementing Rules and Regulations for Republic Act No. 12252, the Investors’ Lease Act.
The ceremony recently took place at the New Clark City, hosted by the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA).
DTI Secretary and Board of Investments (BOI) Chairman Cristina A. Roque and Land Registration Authority (LRA) Administrator Gerardo Panga Sirios signed the IRR, which now allows foreign investors to lease private lands for up to 99 years—an extension from the previous 75-year limit.
The move, more than three decades after the law’s enactment, is widely seen as a landmark reform aimed at boosting long-term capital, advanced technology, and expertise inflows.
DTI Undersecretary and BOI Managing Head Dr. Ceferino S. Rodolfo described the IRR as “a critical step in responsibly unlocking new investment opportunities.”
BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Engr. Joshua M. Bingcang highlighted that the measure provides the stability and predictability necessary to keep the Philippines competitive in the region.
The IRR also introduces stronger administrative safeguards for both landowners and lessees. Lease contracts will now be annotated on land titles, ensuring public notice and legal protection. The regulations streamline compliance with clear step-by-step procedures and set definitive timelines for government agencies to process applications, reducing bureaucratic delays.
Roque emphasized that the finalized IRR will foster a stable and transparent regulatory environment, boosting investor confidence. “Our goal is to establish the Philippines as a top global investment destination. This signing provides the long-term security our investors need,” she said.
The new regulatory framework will take effect on January 4, following its publication in a newspaper of general circulation on December 20.
Analysts predict that the move could accelerate foreign direct investment and signal a new era of confidence in the country’s business climate.
