BCDA bucks Fort Bonifacio proposal of Biazon, Jinggoy

MANILA, Philippines - The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) is against the proposal of Senators Rodolfo Biazon and Jinggoy Estrada to retain several military properties in Fort Bonifacio which had been turned over to the BCDA for disposition.

Senators Biazon and Estrada have filed a bill in the Senate seeking the retention of about 100 hectares which houses the headquarters of the Philippine Army, the Philippine Navy (30 hectares), the Philippine Marines, the Bonifacio Naval Station (30 hectares) and another 25 hectares occupied by the Navy Officers Village Association, Inc. (NOVAI).

In an exclusive interview with The STAR, BCDA vice president for business development Aileen Zosa said the proposal would affect the BCDA’s ability to contribute to the Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program.

Under Republic Act 7917, 35 percent of the proceeds from the sale or 50 percent of lease proceeds of Fort Bonifacio properties would go to the AFP Military Modernization Fund.

Zosa pointed out that from 1993 to June 30, 2009, the BCDA has remitted a total of P16.7 billion consisting of P7.2 billion in remittances to the AFP Modernization Fund and P9.5 billion in military replication expenses,

Zosa said the BCDA must replicate all military facilities and housing that it relocates.

“If they increase the retention of military properties (in Fort Bonifacio), it would mean less land to dispose which would mean less revenues and would mean less remittances to the AFP Modernization Fund,” Zosa explained.

Zosa said the BCDA plans to finally bid out  by the end of this year another 120 hectares of land, primarily for residential development, at its Bonifacio South area.

She said the BCDA has almost completed negotiations for the relocation and replication of military housing in the former JUSMAG (Joint US Military Action Group) area.

The BCDA has likewise contracted Parsons Philippines to masterplan the development of the area into a mixed development with low to medium density, high-end residential units.

Zosa said that the mixed use development would primarily be residential as it is located at the back of the very upscale Forbes Park. She said the planned development would be at par with its upscale neighbor.

The Bonifacio South area is comprised of the former 35.5 hectare JUSMAG property. In a previous statement, Zosa said Ayala Land Inc. (ALI), Megaworld and Robinsons Land were among those that had expressed interest in developing the JUSMAG property.

Zosa said ALI, as well as Megaworld are keen on acquiring the JUSMAG property as it is adjacent to properties they are now developing, particularly the Bonifacio Global City and McKinley Hills, respectively.