BCDA to proceed with Jusmag development plans

MANILA, Philippines - The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) said it would proceed with the proposed development plans for the JUSMAG Area at the Bonifacio Global City (BGC) which will generate funds to modernize the armed forces.

BCDA president and chief executive officer Arnel Casanova said: “We are bound by our mandate to generate funds for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization Program.” He added that “the AFP is in dire need of the modernization funds to ensure that our country is safe and protected from both internal and external threats.”

The BCDA is now clearing the former JUSMAG area which will not only complement the BGC central business district but raise revenues for the military modernization program.

Several informal settlers used to occupy the area but many have availed of the relocation program offered by the BCDA – which is considered by social workers as one of the best relocation programs offered by the government.

Casanova said there are informal settlers who remain in the area, whose structures need to be lawfully dismantled so the project can proceed. We have been transparent and lawful in the process,” he said.

The city of Taguig issued a certificate of compliance (COC) on demolition last July 18, 2012.

Casanova explained that a court order is not needed to lawful dismantle illegal structures. “There are situations under Section 28 of Republic Act 7279 or the Urban Development and Housing Act of 1992 (UDHA) when extrajudicial summary demolition and eviction is allowed.

He quoted the case of Samahan ng Masang Pilipino sa Makati Inc. (SMPMI) vs BCDA (G.R. No. 142255) promulgated by the Supreme Court on Jan. 26, 2007, to wit: “…Eviction or demolition, however, may be allowed under the following situations: …(b) When government infrastructure projects with available funding are about to be implemented;…”

SC ruling further read “…the second particularly partakes of a government infrastructure project with available funding that is about to be implemented. In the instant case, what is applicable is the second case of an extrajudicial summary eviction and demolition.”