President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has vetoed a bill seeking to amend the charter of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), citing potential conflicts with existing laws and risks to the government’s fiscal stability.
In a message dated April 24 and transmitted to Congress, Mr. Marcos acknowledged the good intentions behind the bill but said he could not disregard concerns raised by national agencies.
He flagged several issues, including a proposed P100 billion increase in BCDA’s authorized capital, which he said could strain the government’s fiscal position and affect its fiscal integrity.
Mr. Marcos also pointed out that the proposal allowing the BCDA to retain most proceeds from the sale of ecozone lands was inconsistent with the government’s one-fund policy, thereby limiting fiscal flexibility for more pressing national concerns.
Additionally, he emphasized that the bill improperly grants the BCDA the authority to declare lands as alienable and disposable—powers that belong to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
“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,” President Marcos said, adding that the measure also contradicts the Supreme Court ruling in Republic v. Heirs of Bernabe, which affirms that the state remains the beneficial owner of lands transferred to the BCDA under Republic Act No. 7227.
Despite the veto, the BCDA remains a major force in creating economic opportunities in the country.
It has driven developments like Bonifacio Global City and Newport City, completed the 93.77-kilometer Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway, and is pushing forward vital infrastructure projects through public-private partnerships. The BCDA is also positioning Clark as Asia’s next major investment hub with projects such as New Clark City and the expansion of Clark International Airport.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline “Marcos vetoes bill amending BCDA charter over fiscal, legal concerns.”
