President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has vetoed a measure that sought to amend the charter of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), citing concerns over fiscal integrity and conflicts with existing laws.
The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) announced Saturday that Marcos rejected the proposed amendments, despite acknowledging Congress’ good intentions.
In his veto message dated April 24 and transmitted to Congress, Marcos said the provision proposing a PHP100 billion increase in BCDA’s authorized capital could negatively impact the government’s fiscal position. He also noted that allowing proceeds from the sale of ecozone lands to accrue mainly to the BCDA runs counter to the government’s one-fund policy, limiting fiscal flexibility for national priorities.
Moreover, Marcos raised concerns about the bill’s grant of authority to the BCDA to determine alienable and disposable lands, a function legally mandated to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
He further pointed out that the bill’s language on land ownership contradicts existing jurisprudence, particularly the Republic v. Heirs of Bernabe ruling, which affirms that lands transferred to BCDA under Republic Act 7227 remain beneficially owned by the state.
The BCDA, created in 1992, is tasked with transforming former military bases and other properties into economic hubs and infrastructure projects through public-private partnerships. Among its major accomplishments are the development of Bonifacio Global City, Newport City, and the completion of the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway.
Currently, the BCDA is focusing on positioning Clark as a major investment hub in Asia through projects like the New Clark City development and the expansion of Clark International Airport.