‘Bases Conversion and Development Act amendments to benefit AFP’

MANILA, Philippines — Proposed amendments to the Bases Conversion and Development Act of 1992 are expected to benefit the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) through support for its modernization efforts and the military’s pension fund, according to the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA).

In a statement yesterday, BCDA president and chief executive officer Joshua Bingcang said the bill seeks to amend Republic Act 7227, which will help the BCDA better perform its mandate of helping strengthen the AFP.

“By further unlocking the potential of our economic zones, we would be able to continue contributing to the AFP modernization program and pursue replication projects for the military, fortify our collaboration with the AFP, as well as support the military pension fund, which is a priority of President Marcos,” he said.

The BCDA is seeking support from the AFP in its push for the proposed amendments to the Bases Conversion and Development Act.

Under House Bill 8505, BCDA’s corporate term will be extended for another 50 years from its remaining corporate life of 19 years.

The extension will enable BCDA to continue its mandate of helping beef up the AFP by supporting its modernization efforts.

The bill also seeks to increase the BCDA’s authorized capital to P400 billion from P100 billion.

In addition, it aims to convert five percent of BCDA’s economic zones to freehold status from leasehold.

BCDA estimates this provision would free up 1,856 hectares of land, which can potentially generate at least P400 billion in revenues.

Of the revenue to be generated, the BCDA said a portion may be earmarked for the military pension fund.

House Bill 8505 was passed on third reading last Aug. 22, while the Senate counterpart measure is being prepared for filing.

“The great sacrifices of our troops to ensure peace across the nation and safety of our fellowmen deserve the support it needs. As BCDA moves on to the next chapter, we will ensure that our commitments to the AFP are delivered on time and aligned according to the agreed timeline by all parties involved and that the right amount of remittances are declared,” BCDA chairman Delfin Lorenzana said.

Of the BCDA’s gross disposition proceeds from May 1993 to July this year, 43 percent or P59.71 billion was allocated for the AFP’s modernization program.

Apart from contributions to the AFP modernization program, the BCDA is providing support by modernizing military facilities as part of its replication program.

Last year, the BCDA turned over modern facilities to the Army Support Command of the Philippine Army to relocate the unit’s headquarters in Camp Servillano Aquino in Tarlac.

For this year, the BCDA is set to complete the construction of the P283.4-million Special Services Center and Division Administrative Command Center facility for the Philippine Army in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.