SPEAKING OUT

The proposed conversion of the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) Reservation in Muntinlupa City  into the “BuCor Global City” presents an extraordinary opportunity for development and modernization. However, this ambitious plan must prioritize the well-being and interests of the local community it will significantly impact. As emphasized by Councilor Atty. Raul Corro, majority floorleader of the City Council of Muntinlupa, it is imperative that the national government undertakes this transformation with the active involvement and approval of the City Government of Muntinlupa and its affected residents, as mandated by the Local Government Code.

The Local Government Code requires the national government to conduct prior consultations and seek the Sanggunian Panglungsod's approval for any projects within the city. Sections 2(c), 26, and 27 of the code highlight the necessity of these consultations, ensuring that the local community's voice is heard and respected. Additionally, the code stipulates that a relocation site must be provided for the affected residents, including NBP employees and their families, before any project implementation.

Furthermore, it is crucial for the national government to adhere to Section 289 of the Local Government Code, which mandates an equitable share of proceeds derived from the utilization and development of national wealth within local government units. This provision ensures that the benefits of such development are shared with the inhabitants, enhancing the local community’s prosperity. When the former Alabang Stock Farm was developed, the local government received parcels of land that became valuable community resources like the Ospital ng Muntinlupa, the Alabang Public Market, and the Liwasan ng mga Bayani Park.

While Mayor Ruffy Biazon has expressed support for the transfer of NBP to Palawan, highlighting the current facility’s incompatibility with its residential surroundings and the security risks it poses, he also  rightly insists that the city government must be included in the development plan for the vacated land. This involvement is crucial to ensure that the development aligns with the city's Comprehensive Land Use Plan and Zoning Ordinance, and that it economically benefits Muntinlupa City.

Excluding the local government from planning and execution would be a grave oversight, potentially undermining the project’s success and the community’s well-being. The national government must recognize the indispensable role of local governance in such significant undertakings, guaranteeing that the development is in the best interest of the city's residents.

The transformation of the NBP Reservation into BuCor Global City holds great promise, but it must be pursued with transparency, inclusivity, and a commitment to the local community’s welfare. By working together, the national and local governments can ensure that this development becomes a catalyst for positive change, benefiting Muntinlupa and its people for generations to come. ([email protected])