BCDA welcomes PBBM’s veto of RA 7227

BCDA welcomes PBBM’s veto of RA 7227 | Daily Tribune

Following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s recent veto of a bill aimed at amending the charter of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), the agency accepted the decision, noting it will provide an opportunity to collaborate with lawmakers.

“The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) welcomes the decision as an opportunity for an even stronger collaboration with Congress. Together, we will proactively refine and recalibrate our strategies, ensuring a greater and more impactful contribution to national development,” the BCDA, headed by Engr. Joshua Bingcang, said in a statement on Monday.

“Our unwavering dedication to serving the Filipino people and driving the country's growth fuels our resolve as we move forward with renewed purpose and determination to transform spaces that power the nation's progress,” the BCDA further stated.

According to the veto message of the President sent to the House of Representatives and Senate dated 24 April, he noted several issues with the enrolled bill, including the proposed increase of P100 billion in authorized capital, as it may potentially affect the government’s fiscal integrity.

The chief executive further stated 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,” Marcos said.

Furthermore, Marcos Jr. said the bill’s language granting land ownership and authority to the BCDA in disposing lands counters the Republic v. Heirs of Bernabe case which states that the beneficial owner of lands transferred to the BCDA is the state, according to Republic Act 7227, or the Bases Conversion and Development Act of 1992.