Section 12Sec./Art. 12

Right of Eminent Domain. Subject to the limitations and procedures prescribed by law, the grantee, its successors or assignees, is authorized to exercise the power of eminent domain insofar as it may be reasonably necessary for the efficient establishment, improvement, upgrading, rehabilitation, maintenance, and operation of services. The grantee is authorized to install and maintain its water pipelines and other facilities over, under, and across public property, including streets, highways, parks, and other similar property of the Government of the Philippines, its branches, or any of its instrumentalities.

The grantee may acquire private property as is actually necessary for the realization of the purposes for which this franchise is granted, including pipelines, buildings, infrastructure, machineries, and equipment previously, currently, or actually used, or intended to be used, or have been abandoned, unused, or underutilized, or which obstructs its facilities, for the operation of a waterworks and sewerage system for the conveyance of water supply and sewerage services to end-users in its service area: Provided, That expropriation proceedings before the proper court shall have been instituted and just compensation paid.