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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Marcos vetoes bill amending BCDA charter

Marcos vetoes bill amending BCDA charter

Published Apr 26, 2025 06:44 am

At A Glance

  • In his veto message dated April 24, the President recognized Congress' intention in crafting the bill but said he could not ignore the concerns raised by the national agencies.

President Marcos has vetoed a bill seeking to amend the charter of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), citing concerns that it may conflict with existing laws and adversely impact the government’s fiscal position.

BBM Mark Balmores.jpg
President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. (Mark Balmores)

In his veto message dated April 24, the President recognized Congress' intention in crafting the bill but said he could not ignore the concerns raised by the national agencies.

The President noted several issues with the enrolled bill, including the proposed increase of P100 billion in authorized capital, which he said could affect the government's fiscal integrity.

He said that the proposal to use the proceeds from the sale of the allocated lands from the ecozones to accrue mainly to the BCDA is inconsistent with the government’s one-fund policy, limiting its fiscal flexibility in deciding fund utilization for more pressing concerns.

“In addition, the bill antithetically grants to the BCDA the authority to determine alienable and disposable lands, which clearly falls under the mandate of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources,” the President said.

At the same time, he said the bill’s language granting land ownership and authority to the BCDA in disposing of lands contradicts Republic v. Heirs of Bernabe, which provides that the state is the beneficial owner of the lands transferred to the BCDA under Republic Act No. 7227.

The BCDA is a government-owned and -controlled corporation (GOCC) created in 1992. Its main job is to convert former US military bases and Philippine military lands into productive civilian use, like business districts, economic zones, housing, and infrastructure. One of its most well-known projects is the development of Bonifacio Global City (BGC) in Taguig.

The agency also works closely with other government bodies and private developers on big-ticket infrastructure projects, like New Clark City, toll roads, and railway projects.

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